What is Multisig?
A spending condition requiring several signatures out of a set, such as two of three.
Multisig removes single points of failure: losing one key does not lose the coins, and stealing one key does not steal them either. It is the standard approach for meaningful amounts and for shared control.
The cost is complexity. A multisig setup you do not fully understand, or whose recovery you have never tested, can lose funds more reliably than a single key kept well.
Related terms
Self-custody
Holding your own private keys rather than trusting a third party to hold coins for you.
Keys & custodyCold storage
Keeping keys entirely offline, so no network-connected system ever holds the secret.
Keys & custodyPrivate key
The secret number that authorises spending from an address. Whoever holds it controls the coins…
This definition is part of the Bitcoin Logical glossary. For the fuller explanation, start with Learn, or see the live numbers on The Bitcoin Signal.