virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvər-chə-wəl 

-chəl;

ˈvərch-wəl

1

: being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted

a virtual dictator

2

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

print or virtual books

a virtual keyboard

: such as

a

: occurring or existing primarily online

virtual shopping

b

: of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality

a virtual tour

3

: of, relating to, or using virtual memory

4

: of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence

virtual photons

compare real sense 3

Examples of virtual in a Sentence

The website provides a virtual tour of the stadium.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jump into Keep Your Million to start with a virtual $1,000,000 pot and play through the season. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Some pastors are relying heavily on virtual service to reach members at home. — Lauren Costantino september 19, Miami Herald, 19 Sep. 2026

There's also a microSD slot for virtual media, so recovery and operating-system images can live on the KVM itself – yes, reinstall Windows from afar! — New Atlas, 18 Sep. 2026

The global online marketplace put under the virtual hammer pieces contributed by model Adwoa Aboah, stylist Harry Lambert, designer Charles Jeffrey, actress Daisy Edgar-Jones, filmmaker Akinola Davies and award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, efficacious, potential, from Medieval Latin virtualis, from Latin virtus strength, virtue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing virtual

• virtual colonoscopy
• virtual image
• virtual memory
• virtual private network
• virtual reality

Kids Definition

virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl 

ˈvər-chəl

1

: being in effect but not in fact or name

a virtual dictator

2

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

a virtual classroom

virtually

-ē

adverb