viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce viral (audio)
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 adverb
virality noun

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Even so, some animal rights activists credit viral social media posts depicting animal abuse as focusing public attention on the issue. Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2026 The hipster-cool studio expressed interest in using those viral fragments as the basis of a long-form project, and the kid known as @KanePixels suddenly found himself with a lucrative deal. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 June 2026 The scandals off the field, the viral moments in the stands with fans (both real and fake) and the elite talent covering the sport are a different story. Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026 Fans in doubt have to look no further than the viral clip from mandatory minicamp in which Willis spun out the pocket and found Washington in the end zone. Miami Herald, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for viral

Word History

Etymology

vir(us) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viral was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

viral

adjective
vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce viral (audio)
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 How to pronounce viral (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by a virus
viral infections
virally adverb

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