crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce crypto (audio)
plural cryptos
1
: a person who adheres or belongs secretly to a party, sect, or other group
And jaws dropped, he said, when he explained the theory that Christopher Columbus was a "crypto" or hidden Jew.Kim Vo
2
3
: cryptocurrency
A specialty finance firm … is the first to offer brokers the option to get their commissions paid up front, in crypto, underscoring how digital coins are becoming a more mainstream part of financial transactions.Jennifer Schonberger
often used before another noun
crypto assets
the crypto market

crypto-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or before a vowel crypt-
1
: hidden : covered
cryptogenic
2
: hidden by dissembling : unavowed
crypto-fascist
3
: cryptographic
cryptanalysis

Examples of crypto in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Shares in Coinbase, the largest U.S. crypto exchange, were set to rise about 14% Monday. Rob Wile, NBC News, 11 Nov. 2024 Despite the investments in crypto and NFTs, Trump's investments are largely held in stocks, index funds and bonds, including U.S. Treasuries, according to the form. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 5 Nov. 2024 The big picture: All these actions follow a joint statement from Federal bank regulators in 2023 about the risks of mixing banking and crypto services. Brady Dale, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 Bitcoin and crypto prices are braced for volatility through the U.S. election, with odds on the Polymarket prediction platform suddenly narrowing. Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Nearly half of all corporate money raised this election comes from crypto firms. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024 The crypto players have denied the SEC's allegations. Hannah Lang, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 Steel, meanwhile, has attacked her opponent, Democrat Derek Tran, for his crypto holdings. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 Blockchain boss weighs in Kristin Smith, CEO of Blockchain Association, explains how crypto will play a role on the presidential election. The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

(sense 1) independent use of crypto-; (senses 2 & 3) by shortening

Combining form

combining form from Greek kryptós "hidden, secret" — more at crypt

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of crypto was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near crypto

Cite this Entry

“Crypto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crypto. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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