Address
A short string of letters and numbers that identifies where crypto can be sent on a blockchain.
An address is the public-facing handle for a wallet, derived from the public key. Bitcoin addresses start with 1, 3, or bc1; Ethereum addresses are 42 characters beginning with 0x. Share one to receive funds — it's safe to post publicly.
Send to the wrong address and the money is usually gone for good; most chains have no undo. Always verify the first and last characters, and beware malware that swaps a copied address for the attacker's. Many wallets let you attach a human-readable name like an ENS domain to reduce mistakes.
Related terms
A key derived from your private key that others use to verify your signatures and that forms your address.
WalletA tool that stores the keys controlling your crypto and lets you send, receive, and sign transactions.
TransactionA signed instruction that moves value or data on a blockchain, recorded permanently once miners or validators confirm it.
Private KeyThe secret number that proves ownership of crypto and authorizes spending it; whoever holds it controls the funds.