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
In addition to various altcoin companies, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. announced their new bitcoin mining venture, American Bitcoin, earlier this month.
—Leigh Cuen, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
If that happens, Bitcoin and altcoin currencies are likely to see another strong year.
—Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2025
In addition, many altcoins underwent notable price increases, rising between 10% and 30% in the space of 24 hours, CoinMarketCap figures show.
—Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
With people being arrested for trading in Tether and demand for altcoin trading, the story is mixed with Bitcoin adoption.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Having only bitcoin and not the rest of the altcoins in the strategic reserve is not a win.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
If their proposals maintain the same lack of clarity, the U.S. digital asset strategy could prove short-sighted, enabling near-term pumps in altcoins while undercutting more sustainable monetary innovations like bitcoin.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
However, Todaro is cautious on the current quarter, as the altcoin crash driven by a meme coin mania in January could weigh on February volumes and extend into the second quarter.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
But altcoins have been struggling for months, even after the postelection bitcoin rally.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 1 Feb. 2025
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Leigh Cuen, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
If that happens, Bitcoin and altcoin currencies are likely to see another strong year.
—Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2025
In addition, many altcoins underwent notable price increases, rising between 10% and 30% in the space of 24 hours, CoinMarketCap figures show.
—Charles Lloyd Bovaird Ii, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
With people being arrested for trading in Tether and demand for altcoin trading, the story is mixed with Bitcoin adoption.
—Roger Huang, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Having only bitcoin and not the rest of the altcoins in the strategic reserve is not a win.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 7 Mar. 2025
If their proposals maintain the same lack of clarity, the U.S. digital asset strategy could prove short-sighted, enabling near-term pumps in altcoins while undercutting more sustainable monetary innovations like bitcoin.
—Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
However, Todaro is cautious on the current quarter, as the altcoin crash driven by a meme coin mania in January could weigh on February volumes and extend into the second quarter.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 13 Feb. 2025
But altcoins have been struggling for months, even after the postelection bitcoin rally.
—Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 1 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Altcoin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altcoin. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
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