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
The illicit industry is closely involved in human trafficking, with foreign nationals employed to run romance and cryptocurrency scams, often after being recruited with false job offers and then forced to work in conditions of near-slavery.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
He is believed to be a high-ranking member of a criminal syndicate that laundered billions from romance and cryptocurrency scams targeting victims globally.
—Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Alternative investments can include private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency and direct investment in private companies.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
For example, the Labor Department in May rescinded guidance put in place during the Biden administration that urged employers to be cautious before adding cryptocurrency and related digital assets like bitcoin, nonfungible tokens and meme coins to 401(k) plans.
—Sarah Agostino,stephanie Dhue,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 2026
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ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
He is believed to be a high-ranking member of a criminal syndicate that laundered billions from romance and cryptocurrency scams targeting victims globally.
—Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026
Alternative investments can include private equity, real estate, cryptocurrency and direct investment in private companies.
—Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026
For example, the Labor Department in May rescinded guidance put in place during the Biden administration that urged employers to be cautious before adding cryptocurrency and related digital assets like bitcoin, nonfungible tokens and meme coins to 401(k) plans.
—Sarah Agostino,stephanie Dhue,greg Iacurci, CNBC, 30 Mar. 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 5 Apr. 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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