virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
ˈvir-yə-
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic
virulent bacteria
2
: extremely poisonous or venomous
3
: full of malice : malignant
virulent racists
4
: objectionably harsh or strong
virulent criticism
virulently adverb

Examples of virulent in a Sentence

The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past. the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mounting fear within the Jewish and Conservative communities of New York is that Mamdani’s furtive stance of justice for Palestine and divestment from Israel is stoking the flame of more virulent Anti-Semitism to come. Alexandra Bregman, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025 It's been 28 years since the rage virus — a virulent, bloodborne infection that sends its hosts into extreme, uncontrollable rage and states of undead decay — escaped a lab and decimated nearly all of the United Kingdom, now under rigid quarantine. EW.com, 20 June 2025 Studies have shown that microorganisms can become more virulent and form stronger, thicker biofilms in space. Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 May 2025 Besides condemnations cloaked in virulent antisemitism and anti-Zionism, many questioned Israel’s open war against Iran and its implications for President Donald Trump’s commitment to restore safety and security around the world. Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for virulent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" — more at virus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of virulent was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virulent. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

virulent

adjective
vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body
a virulent germ
2
: extremely poisonous : noxious
3
: full of hate : spiteful
virulently adverb

Medical Definition

virulent

adjective
vir·​u·​lent -lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome bodily defense mechanisms
a virulent pathogen
2
: extremely poisonous or venomous : noxious

More from Merriam-Webster on virulent

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