noun
Common
bitcoin
BIHT-koyn
Bitcoin (noun) means a decentralized digital currency that runs on blockchain technology, not controlled by any government or bank. Example: “She explained how bitcoin lets people send money without using a bank.”
noun
1
A decentralized digital currency that runs on blockchain technology, not controlled by any government or bank.
"She explained how bitcoin lets people send money without using a bank."
"He paid for the laptop entirely in bitcoin."
"The price of bitcoin swung wildly over the weekend."
How to use bitcoin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe first and best-known cryptocurrency, run on a decentralized network rather than a bank.
Common pairings
buy bitcoin
bitcoin wallet
bitcoin mining
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Word forms
- Plural
- bitcoins
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She explained how _____ lets people send money without using a bank.
Etymology
Coined from "bit" (as in binary digit) plus "coin", by the pseudonymous creator known as Satoshi Nakamoto, first described in a 2008 white paper on peer-to-peer digital cash.
Class of 2008
bitcoin joined the language around 2008.
See the full Class of 2008 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for bitcoin
See all rhymes for bitcoin →Frequently asked questions
What does “bitcoin” mean?
The word “bitcoin” means a decentralized digital currency that runs on blockchain technology, not controlled by any government or bank. In plain terms, the first and best-known cryptocurrency, run on a decentralized network rather than a bank.
How do you pronounce “bitcoin”?
“Bitcoin” is pronounced BIHT-koyn (/ˈbɪtˌkɔɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “bitcoin” in a sentence?
Here is “bitcoin” used in a sentence: “He paid for the laptop entirely in bitcoin.”
What part of speech is “bitcoin”?
“Bitcoin” is a noun.
Where does the word “bitcoin” come from?
The word “bitcoin” dates back to around 2008. Coined from "bit" (as in binary digit) plus "coin", by the pseudonymous creator known as Satoshi Nakamoto, first described in a 2008 white paper on peer-to-peer digital cash.
Is “bitcoin” a common word?
“Bitcoin” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Bitcoin and blockchain?
Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, while blockchain is the underlying technology it runs on, a shared record that stores transactions. Bitcoin uses blockchain, but blockchain also supports many other applications.
Should 'bitcoin' be capitalised?
By common convention, 'Bitcoin' with a capital B refers to the network or system, while 'bitcoin' with a lowercase b refers to units of the currency, as in 'she owns two bitcoin.'
What is the difference between Bitcoin and a traditional currency?
Unlike money issued by a government or bank, Bitcoin is decentralized, so no single authority controls it. Its transactions are recorded on a public blockchain rather than managed by a central institution.
What is the difference between Bitcoin and cryptocurrency?
Bitcoin is one specific cryptocurrency, the first and best known, while 'cryptocurrency' is the general term for all digital currencies built on similar technology. All bitcoin is cryptocurrency, but not all cryptocurrency is Bitcoin.
