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

In early 2024,Wells Fargo CIO Chintan Mehta said the company’s virtual assistant app, Fargo, had handled 20 million interactions since its launch in March 2023, adding that the AI application could have the potential to handle 100 million or more per year as the technology develops. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

Madrid is also becoming a leader in VPX [Virtual Production Extensions] and real-time virtual production. —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025

The monthlong program offers virtual and in-person workshops, panels, and performances. —Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025

Fair Opportunity Project will offer help with the CSS Profile at its one-on-one virtual counseling sessions, which are free to low-income and first-generation college students. —jsonline.com, 1 Oct. 2025

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

: being in effect but not in fact or name

a virtual dictator

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

a virtual classroom

virtually

-ē

adverb