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 video quickly went viral, reaching over 2 million views with many viewers assuming the image was authentic. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

Sharma said that the presence of fever suggests a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. —Robbie Owens, CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026

The viral beauty gadget stimulates collagen, boosts circulation, and leaves you with plump, youthful results. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 Jan. 2026

In a viral video posted on X, conservative influencer Nick Shirley claimed that some licensed day cares in Minnesota are sitting vacant while cashing in on federal funds. —Kayla Huynh, jsonline.com, 8 Jan. 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