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

One of Hollywood's most high-profile LGBTQ+ stars in the music industry, known for his eccentric forms of music promotion and signature humor, Lil Nas X has receded from the heights of his past viral stardom in recent years. —Jay Stahl, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2025

What happened in viral videos Widely circulated video appears to show Tchervinski slapping a Black man in the face during a confrontation, which happened on Fourth Street around 2:45 a.m. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 22 Aug. 2025

Score another viral hit for Welles, and another step in the comeback of the protest song. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2025

Idle clickers: These are quick to play and perfect for viral loops. —Denys Kliuch, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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