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

In a recent viral post on Instagram, a developer shared that he was charged $30,803 in fees to build a modest 747 square-foot two-bedroom home valued at $132,538. —Nolan Gray, Oc Register, 21 June 2026

When the net finally rippled, Yamal dropped to the ground in sujood — an Islamic prostration of gratitude — in a moment that immediately went viral. —Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026

In North Carolina, one high school graduation video went viral after a valedictorian went off-script to deliver a message to her classmates about using their voices to speak out about issues including immigration enforcement. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 21 June 2026

Wilt Diseases Of Tomatoes Disease organisms that produce symptoms of wilt in tomatoes include fungal, bacterial and viral agents. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 21 June 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