fiat money

noun

: money (such as paper currency) not convertible into coin or specie of equivalent value

Examples of fiat money 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.
In 1971, Roosevelt ended the gold standard and switched to a fiat money system. Emily Chang, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2025 This highlights the contrast between fiat money's flexibility, Bitcoin's strict supply limits, and Ethereum's adaptable approach, which sits in between. Jon Helgi Egilsson, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 Back in the day, the concept of paper or fiat money would have spooked those married to the gold standard. Solo Ceesay, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025 Citizens continue to prefer fiat money for daily transactions, confirming Bitcoin's stronger role as a national reserve than a currency replacement. Andrey Sergeenkov, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for fiat money

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fiat money was in 1876

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Cite this Entry

“Fiat money.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fiat%20money. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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