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 global tour generated a series of viral cultural moments that traveled well beyond traditional publicity. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 7 June 2026

It wasn’t paid advertising or viral fame that catapulted her success—Sheehan credits her growth to word-of-mouth buzz. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 7 June 2026

Riddled with postpartum anxiety, with a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old on either hip, Kristin Gallant, of the viral brand Big Little Feelings, remembers looking around her neighborhood and scrolling social media for a clue. —Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 7 June 2026

Footage of an activist being dragged away from the development went viral, further inflaming public opposition. —Emmet Lyons, CBS News, 6 June 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