Definition
ERC-721 is an Ethereum standard for non-fungible tokens that distinguishes individual assets through unique identifiers within a contract. Its interface provides methods for checking ownership, transferring tokens, and approving other addresses to manage specified tokens or an owner's collection. The combination of contract address and token identifier identifies a particular token more precisely than its image or collection name. Optional extensions can provide metadata or enumeration features, but the core standard does not require all associated media to be stored on-chain. A token may therefore refer to information hosted elsewhere, with separate availability and modification risks. Ownership of an ERC-721 token also does not automatically grant copyright, commercial use rights, or ownership of a physical object. Those claims depend on additional arrangements. The standard primarily defines interoperable ownership and transfer behavior, not the broader value or enforceability of the represented asset.
Source references
References accompanying this glossary entry:
Educational reference, not financial advice. See our financial disclaimer and editorial policy.