cryptocurrency

noun

cryp·​to·​cur·​ren·​cy ˌkrip-tō-ˈkər-ən(t)-sē How to pronounce cryptocurrency (audio)
-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

Examples of cryptocurrency in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Prosecutors said in the release that Liao suffered losses from trading cryptocurrency and tricked Zhang into signing a promissory note ordering him to pay nearly $800,000. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 The top cryptocurrency fell from $73,000 to around $63,000 in less than a week. Vinamrata Chaturvedi, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 To many, the very premise of a blockchain climate solution would sound nonsensical, especially as cryptocurrency’s impact on climate has begun to dominate headlines. Andrew Kersley, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2024 Bitcoin, the world's first cryptocurrency, was released in 2009 as an open-source software and is the most high-profile digital currency. CBS News, 14 Mar. 2024 Ethereum, the second-most popular cryptocurrency, also crossed the $4,000 barrier. David Meyer, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 When depositing cryptocurrency, the funds can be available instantly in your casino wallet. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2024 The cryptocurrency on Tuesday topped its previous record of $68,789 reached on November 10, 2021, snapping a two-year rut as the launch of spot bitcoin ETFs helped turbocharge a rally. Krystal Hur, CNN, 5 Mar. 2024 Bitcoin hit a record high of more than $69,000 on Tuesday, capping a remarkable comeback for the volatile cryptocurrency after its value plunged in 2022 amid a market meltdown. David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cryptocurrency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

crypto- + currency

First Known Use

2009, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cryptocurrency was in 2009

Dictionary Entries Near cryptocurrency

Cite this Entry

“Cryptocurrency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptocurrency. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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