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

On the ground floor, facing the Museum of Modern Art, is the Nusr-Et Steakhouse from the viral Turkish restaurateur known as Salt Bae. — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026

Everyone enjoyed getting these viral moments as a tradeoff in not actually being able to take them viral. — Chris Willman, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026

Tuning the viral vaccine structure The M13 bacteriophage consists of a single strand of DNA surrounded by a protein shell, or capsid. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026

Another viral favorite, the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is a classic. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 31 Oct. 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