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 it, Tomlin takes viewers through a virtual metropolis complete with high-rise apartments, a speakeasy, an aquarium, and a baseball stadium. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026

Lee presented a teaser of upcoming series Rendering Love, produced by MBC C&I and Barunson E&A, which combines live-action scenes filmed the traditional way with AI generated characters to tell the story of a virtual K-pop group. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026

Greta Van Fleet open the virtual gates to Palace For The People (via Republic Records), the Michigan rock band’s fourth studio album. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 9 Oct. 2026

Digital twins are virtual representations of physical systems that can reproduce their configurations and behavior. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 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