altcoin
noun
alt·coin
ˈȯlt-ˌkȯin 
plural altcoins
: any of various cryptocurrencies that are regarded as alternatives to established cryptocurrencies and especially to Bitcoin
Since then, thousands of new altcoins … have been created and added into the crypto ecosystem. "Altcoin" refers to any type of cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin.—
Meghan DeMatteo
Meghan DeMatteoEthereum's surge has triggered wider interest in the altcoin universe from retail investors with cash to burn …—Postmedia Breaking News
Postmedia Breaking News… major cryptocurrency projects like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and smaller altcoins …—benzinga.com
benzinga.comExamples of altcoin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The major cryptocurrency isn’t the only one to suffer losses, as altcoins are down as well.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2026
Broader crypto market strength: If Bitcoin holds above key support and Ethereum continues to advance, altcoins like ADA often outperform in the next phase.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Since then, asset managers have jockeyed for approvals to launch ETFs tracking a wider range of digital assets, from altcoins like sui and aptos to memecoins such as official Trump and dogecoin.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Whether that divergence sparks a broader altcoin revival or leaves smaller tokens sidelined remains to be seen.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
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Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2026
Broader crypto market strength: If Bitcoin holds above key support and Ethereum continues to advance, altcoins like ADA often outperform in the next phase.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 Jan. 2026
Since then, asset managers have jockeyed for approvals to launch ETFs tracking a wider range of digital assets, from altcoins like sui and aptos to memecoins such as official Trump and dogecoin.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 9 Dec. 2025
Whether that divergence sparks a broader altcoin revival or leaves smaller tokens sidelined remains to be seen.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Altcoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altcoin. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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