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 28-year-old victim, reportedly an Italian cryptocurrency trader, arrived in New York City from Italy in early May.
—Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
This summer, the Federal Housing Finance Agency officially issued guidance allowing cryptocurrency to count as a reserve asset when underwriting mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
—Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Last year, another version of Comedian sold at auction for $6.2 million—and its new owner, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, ate the banana shortly after the sale.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2025
Trump Media's announcement Monday morning came less than a week after bitcoin hit an all-time high, making it by far the world's most valuable and popular cryptocurrency.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 21 July 2025
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Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
This summer, the Federal Housing Finance Agency officially issued guidance allowing cryptocurrency to count as a reserve asset when underwriting mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
—Becca Bratcher, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Last year, another version of Comedian sold at auction for $6.2 million—and its new owner, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, ate the banana shortly after the sale.
—Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 July 2025
Trump Media's announcement Monday morning came less than a week after bitcoin hit an all-time high, making it by far the world's most valuable and popular cryptocurrency.
—Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cryptocurrency
Cite this Entry
“Cryptocurrency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cryptocurrency. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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