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
Before Tuesday, the most recent party-line vote failure occurred in July involving cryptocurrency and appropriations bills.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
In December and January, the credit union's fraud team spotted unusual wire transfers of large sums of money into Jaimi's account, which was used to buy cryptocurrency for the fraudster.
—Michele Gile, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
This refers to the historical pattern after an event known as halving, which often leads to new all-time highs for the cryptocurrency and a subsequent crash before new highs.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Fintechs are increasingly adopting stablecoins—a non-volatile type of cryptocurrency typically pegged to the US dollar.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency
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Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 11 Feb. 2026
In December and January, the credit union's fraud team spotted unusual wire transfers of large sums of money into Jaimi's account, which was used to buy cryptocurrency for the fraudster.
—Michele Gile, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
This refers to the historical pattern after an event known as halving, which often leads to new all-time highs for the cryptocurrency and a subsequent crash before new highs.
—Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Fintechs are increasingly adopting stablecoins—a non-volatile type of cryptocurrency typically pegged to the US dollar.
—Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 11 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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