currency

noun

plural currencies
1
a
: circulation as a medium of exchange
b
: general use, acceptance, or prevalence
a story gaining currency
c
: the quality or state of being current : currentness
needed to check the accuracy and currency of the information
2
a
: something (such as coins, treasury notes, and banknotes) that is in circulation as a medium of exchange
b
: paper money in circulation
c
: a common article for bartering
Furs were once used as currency.
d
: a medium of verbal or intellectual expression
… neither side possessed any currency but clichés … Jan Struther

Examples of currency in a Sentence

A new currency has been introduced in the foreign exchange market. They were paid in U.S. currency. Furs were once traded as currency. The word has not yet won widespread currency. I'm not sure about the accuracy and currency of their information.
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.
Trump taps Beach as new US treasurer President Donald Trump named Georgia state Sen. Brandon Beach as his administration's treasurer, meaning his signature will soon appear on U.S. currency. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 22 Mar. 2025 These intermediaries hold accounts in multiple currencies, facilitating transfers through the SWIFT network. Ozan Ozerk, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 Here's what to avoid The filing includes financial statements for the quarter, showing revenues of $16.7 billion, an increase of 5% in U.S. dollars and 8.5% in local currency compared to the same quarter the previous year. Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 20 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, the mayor’s detention sent shockwaves through Turkey’s financial markets, deepening investor fears and triggering sharp losses in the currency and stock market. Gul Tuysuz, CNN, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for currency

Word History

Etymology

curr(ent) entry 1 + -ency

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of currency was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Currency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/currency. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

currency

noun
plural currencies
1
: common use or acceptance
2
: money in circulation

More from Merriam-Webster on currency

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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