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

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There were also fewer viral social media takedowns than after Season 1, which had its big moments reenacted online. —Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025

If that wasn’t embarrassing enough, then came an ugly post-game brawl that has gone viral on social media all over the world. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

And in recent years, Venice has offered its share of memorable red-carpet looks (think Lady Gaga and her haute couture headpiece) and viral moments that draw the attention of the world (a teary Brendan Fraser basking in a standing ovation). —Brent Lang, Variety, 3 Sep. 2025

Cardi, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, has gone viral for her responses during the trial. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025

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