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
Examples of viral in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Then, a viral essay from a tech CEO swept the internet with stark declarations about how AI could disrupt jobs.
—
Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
The Texas Department of Transportation on Sunday said there is no risk to drivers after viral social media posts circulated over the weekend appearing to show large gaps in an Austin highway overpass.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 16 Feb. 2026
Tyra Banks finally responded to her now-viral outburst against America's Next Top Model contestant Tiffany Richardson in a new documentary looking back at the show.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
Now an art expert in Montreal, Mihail reluctantly returns to Bulgaria to authenticate the work of Nina, an 8-year-old Bulgarian artist and possible child prodigy whose paintings have gone viral online, only to confront the ghosts of his past.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viral
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Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
The Texas Department of Transportation on Sunday said there is no risk to drivers after viral social media posts circulated over the weekend appearing to show large gaps in an Austin highway overpass.
—Alex Driggars, Austin American Statesman, 16 Feb. 2026
Tyra Banks finally responded to her now-viral outburst against America's Next Top Model contestant Tiffany Richardson in a new documentary looking back at the show.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
Now an art expert in Montreal, Mihail reluctantly returns to Bulgaria to authenticate the work of Nina, an 8-year-old Bulgarian artist and possible child prodigy whose paintings have gone viral online, only to confront the ghosts of his past.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for viral
Cite this Entry
“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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