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

This viral leave-in K-18 hair mask is beloved by hairstylists, influencers, and derms alike. —Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 23 Apr. 2025

The bonafide pop star is known for her signature, viral glam featuring blonde bombshell waves and rosy, glowing makeup. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025

So, what sets this viral favorite apart in a sea of hair mask options? —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2025

The tool, which is similar to one used by Elon Musk's X, replaced the company’s partnerships with news organizations and fact-checking groups as its primary mechanism for curbing the viral spread of false information. —Katie Paul and Echo Wang, USA Today, 23 Apr. 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