ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bitcoin

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɪtkɔɪn//
Definition

n. a digital currency that exists only on the internet. It allows people to send money directly to each other without using a bank.

n. a decentralised digital currency that operates on a peer-to-peer network without the need for a central authority or intermediary.


SIMPLE

He bought some bitcoin to save for the future.

CONTEXTUAL

Many investors view bitcoin as a digital alternative to gold because of its limited supply.

COMPLEX

The volatility of bitcoin has sparked intense debate among economists regarding its viability as a stable store of value in the global financial system.

Origin

A blend of bit (from binary digit) and coin. Coined for the currency launched in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated July 19, 2026