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

Legislators craft viral moments for television and social media, sharpen partisan talking points and prepare for the next race long before the current term is finished. —Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026

In the wake of the 21-19 defeat, Jones reminded reporters that Darnold had carried the team all season in a moment that instantly went viral. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

When Swift wore Fazit glitter freckles to a Chiefs–Saints game in 2024, the product, created by co-founder Aliett Buttelman, went viral via a TikTok video and sent the company's sales soaring 3,500%. —Bryan West, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

Fashion’s literary obsession coincides with the viral analog bag, a toolkit for spending the day off of your phone. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 9 Mar. 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