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

Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Demetrius Roberson scored with nine seconds left in a 27-23 decision on a play that went viral on the internet. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

Simmons also made another highlight that was going viral by halftime. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

In other words, the Perfect Weekday Tote is a rare viral trend that’s actually wearable. — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 26 Sep. 2026

Many people have turned to sleepmaxxing, a viral wellness movement that has gained popularity on social media with little science to back it up. — Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 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