cryptocurrency
noun
cryp·to·cur·ren·cy
ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē 
-ˈkə-rən(t)-sē
plural cryptocurrencies
: any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually has no central issuing or regulating authority but instead uses a decentralized system to record transactions and manage the issuance of new units, and that relies on cryptography to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent transactions
Virtual currency bitcoin hit the mainstream in 2014. Bitcoin ATMs started springing up all over the world … , allowing people to exchange cash for the cryptocurrency, a secure digital payment outside of conventional financial institutions.—
Brenda Poppy
Brenda PoppyExamples of cryptocurrency in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Current ethics rules require members and staff to report profits from other assets, such as cryptocurrency, stocks and bonds.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 19 May 2026
This increase in utility prices is primarily tied to data center expansion, with cryptocurrency mining also included in the modeling of higher costs.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Mahan entered the race late and with little statewide name recognition, but catapulted into contention thanks to massive funding from billionaire tech titans, venture capitalists, cryptocurrency investors and other Silicon Valley elites.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Other red flags could include not being traceable to the state listed in the customer's address or paying for phone service with cryptocurrency.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency
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Luke Garrett, NPR, 19 May 2026
This increase in utility prices is primarily tied to data center expansion, with cryptocurrency mining also included in the modeling of higher costs.
—Tristan Bove, Fortune, 19 May 2026
Mahan entered the race late and with little statewide name recognition, but catapulted into contention thanks to massive funding from billionaire tech titans, venture capitalists, cryptocurrency investors and other Silicon Valley elites.
—Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Other red flags could include not being traceable to the state listed in the customer's address or paying for phone service with cryptocurrency.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency
Cite this Entry
“Cryptocurrency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptocurrency. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cryptocurrency
noun
cryp·to·cur·ren·cy
ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē
-ˈkə-rən(t)-sē
: any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually uses a decentralized system for issuing new units and reording transactions, and that relies on cryptography to prevent fraudulent transactions
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