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

The viral Shrradoo backpack is one of the few bags pilots actually use that won’t break the bank. —Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026

At a time of escalating viral threats, this is a take better suited to online feuds than to biosecurity strategy from the apex of American public health. —Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 24 May 2026

However, the lack of filtering, context, and vetting can cause bad information to go viral. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026

In March, Kohler received an internet-viral half-court tribute at a Michigan State University basketball game, featuring the team's forward and great-grandson Jaxon Kohler. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 24 May 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