viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl 

1

: of, relating to, or caused by a virus

a viral infection

2

: quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by means of social media

a viral video

virally

ˈvī-rə-lē 

adverb

virality

vī-ˈra-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hesseltine was also an early digital blogger and creator, who launched the viral Instagram accounts @BrosBeingBasic and @FashionDads. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 6 Apr. 2026

The challenge has gone so viral that six major league teams are getting in on the bit, offering 9x9x9 kits at their stadiums' concessions. —R.j. Coyle, Dallas Morning News, 6 Apr. 2026

The piece has gone viral, which is not something that happens often with October essays anymore. —Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 6 Apr. 2026

Created in Sister Marguerite's likeness, it is now being sold to raise money for Neumann Athletics, inspired by the viral success of Sister Jean's bobblehead at Loyola University Chicago. —Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

vir(us) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing viral

• viral load
• viral marketing

Rhymes for viral

• chiral
• spiral
• adenoviral
• antiretroviral
• antiviral
• retroviral

Kids Definition

viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl 

1

: of, relating to, or caused by a virus

a viral infection

2

: quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by person-to-person electronic communication

a viral video

Medical Definition

viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl 

: of, relating to, or caused by a virus

viral infections

virally

-rə-lē 

adverb