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

Meteorologist colleagues like Brad Nitz in Atlanta and James Spann in Birmingham tried to post explanations to offset the viral misinformation. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

During an event to celebrate the return of Heathers the Musical to the stage on Monday, June 30, in New York City, PEOPLE asked the King of Queens star, 60, how his viral performance with Jelly Roll in Columbus, Ohio, came to be. —Daniel S. Levine, People.com, 1 July 2025

But the weak turnout for the sequel suggests the pint-sized agent of chaos was a one-off viral phenomenon rather than the next enduring scream queen. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 1 July 2025

The label has become known for translating Provençal traditions into exuberant womenswear, menswear, and viral accessories. —Alice Pfeiffer, CNN Money, 1 July 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