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

This could be a sign of an impending health issue like a viral illness. — Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026

The first—and most viral—solution that comes to mind is a lymphatic drainage massage, which helps manually move lymph fluid through the body. — Mélanie Defouilloy, Vogue, 6 July 2026

Her videos answering questions about growing up with 44 siblings have gone viral, with many people stunned learning about her life. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Haaland quickly emerged as one of the World Cup’s breakout stars, both for his Herculean feats on the field and his viral moments off of it. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 July 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