microtransaction
noun
mi·cro·trans·ac·tion
ˌmī-krō-tran-ˈzak-shən
-tran(t)-ˈsak-
plural microtransactions
: an online transaction involving a small amount of currency
And each time a song is streamed on one of those platforms, a microtransaction occurs, ranging from around .001 to .005 cents per play.—John Klyce
especially
: such a transaction made within a video game (as to purchase exclusive content or competitive advantage)
The microtransactions that most mobile games are built on—$1 here, $5 there—can add up quickly. —Seth Schiesel
Is it entirely legal for companies with business models based mainly on microtransactions to target young gamers who may not fully understand that they are incurring a charge when they purchase things with in-game currency? —Eric Neigher
Blizzard [Entertainment] famously touted last week that "Diablo Immortal" made $24 million in its first two weeks purely from microtransaction purchases. —Josh Rouse
Cite this Entry
“Microtransaction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/microtransaction. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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