airdrop
Free cryptocurrency tokens distributed to wallet holders, usually for promotional reasons.
An airdrop is when a cryptocurrency project distributes free tokens to people’s digital wallets, typically to existing holders of the project’s token or to users of a blockchain platform. Projects use airdrops to build community interest, reward early users, or bootstrap adoption of a new token.
When you see airdrop in a headline, it usually means a project is giving away coins or tokens to existing holders or the general public. This is a marketing tool, not an investment opportunity—recipients receive tokens at no cost, but the tokens may have little or no value, and there’s no guarantee they’ll become valuable later. Some airdrops require users to perform tasks like signing up for an account or sharing on social media.
Written once as a plain-English reference, not as advice. Nothing here is a recommendation to buy or sell anything.