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

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Now, the TikTok icon is ready to make All Stars 9 her most viral moment yet. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 23 Apr. 2024 Multiple generations of women — from young girls to grandmothers — gathered to help a bride prepare her floral arrangements The beauty of family is blooming in a viral video showcasing a unique wedding tradition. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 23 Apr. 2024 Plague is a bacterial infection, while COVID is a viral infection. Claire Gillespie, Health, 22 Apr. 2024 This — along with the unusual premise of celibate ascetics taking on the challenge of worldly romance — has given the Buddhist version its own viral fame, which the foundation hoped to maximize by opening it to the press. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024 Of perhaps the greatest concern is the app's algorithm, seen as essential to its popularity in surfacing viral video content. Lauren Peller, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2024 The cups have become a viral sensation over the past year. Lauren Liebhaber, Kansas City Star, 19 Apr. 2024 The viral latte makeup trend calls for cream bronzer across the lids and bridge of the nose for a monochromatic look, while pearl skin will layer highlighter with bronzer to create a luminous complexion. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 19 Apr. 2024 The social media platform has become a crucial part of the music industry ecosystem, and some recent stars have risen to fame thanks to viral hits on the app. Kalhan Rosenblatt, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near viral

Cite this Entry

“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on viral

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