crypto

1 of 2

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

plural cryptos

1

: 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

2

: cryptography sense 2

3

: 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

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

Noun

In 2026, crypto demand has been uneven and mostly reactive. —Tanaya MacHeel, CNBC, 1 May 2026

In recent weeks, Bitcoin has enjoyed a modest rally, but is still down around 40% from its all-time high, while overall crypto trading activity has fallen off significantly. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026

Law enforcement officials say the crypto becomes difficult to trace because transactions typically lead overseas. —Aki Nace, CBS News, 28 Apr. 2026

Trump has offered sit-down private dinners for big crypto investors, including investors in World Liberty Financial. —Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Combining form

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

First Known Use

Noun

1946, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Medical Definition

crypto

noun

cryp·​to ˈkrip-(ˌ)tō 

: cryptosporidium sense 2

also : cryptosporidiosis