currency

American  

[kur-uhn-see, kuhr-] / ˈkɜr ən si, ˈkʌr- /

noun

plural

currencies

1. something that is used as a medium of exchange; money.

2. general acceptance; prevalence; vogue.

3. a time or period during which something is widely accepted and circulated.

4. the fact or quality of being widely accepted and circulated from person to person.

5. circulation, as of coin.

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currency British  

/ ˈkʌrənsɪ /

noun

1. a metal or paper medium of exchange that is in current use in a particular country

2. general acceptance or circulation; prevalence

   the currency of ideas

3. the period of time during which something is valid, accepted, or in force

4. the act of being passed from person to person

5. (formerly) the local medium of exchange, esp in the colonies, as distinct from sterling

6. slang

   1. (formerly) the native-born Australians, as distinct from the British immigrants

   2. ( as modifier )

      a currency lad

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currency Cultural  

1. Any form of money in actual use as a medium of exchange.

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Etymology

Origin of currency

From the Medieval Latin word currentia, dating back to 1650–60. See current, -ency

Explanation

Currency is the paper and coin money that a country uses to conduct business. The United States uses a currency that's made up of dollars, quarters, nickels, dimes, and pennies. Just about every country has its own currency — the money its people use to pay for their groceries, clothes, and other goods. Paper currency in the United States is all green and can confuse people who use bills with different colors for different denominations. In addition to describing a country's monetary system, currency means something that is accepted or used. The slang word "daddy-o" was the currency in the 1950s, but people who say it today can expect to receive strange looks.

Example Sentences

That compares with 9% growth, or 8% excluding currency impacts, in the fourth quarter.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

The fall in business activity was broad-based across the eurozone, with both Germany and France -- the 20-country single currency area's two biggest economies -- posting contractions.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Meanwhile, Hasbro reiterated its full-year guidance for revenue growth, excluding the impact of currency moves, of between 3% and 5% from 2025.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

IBM maintained its expectations of constant currency revenue growth of at least 5% this year, with free cash flow rising by around $1 billion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Radioisotopes would be the currency of a new physics, chemistry, and biology, and Lawrences cyclotron would be the world’s preeminent mint.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• cash