viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce viral (audio)
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 adverb
virality noun

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For Ronaldo, though, viral fame is just a bonus. Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 28 June 2026 After earlier false rumors involving tsunami threats and the collapse of major transportation links, Rodríguez dismissed new viral claims about infrastructure failures, urging the public to rely exclusively on official sources. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026 Last season, Yulissa Escobar was removed from Love Island USA during the second episode after a video of her using the same slur during a podcast appearance went viral. Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026 In a now-viral interaction, a Southwest Airlines gate agent called sheriff’s deputies after a local musician attempted to bring her guitar on a flight from Sacramento International Airport on Thursday evening. Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for viral

Word History

Etymology

vir(us) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viral was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

viral

adjective
vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce viral (audio)
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 How to pronounce viral (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by a virus
viral infections
virally adverb

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