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

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jon Gruden unboxes memorabilia of Tampa Bay’s opponents in a reference to his viral unboxing videos. —Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 16 May 2025

The viral TikTok video shared in April under the username @itscookiecat, shows the kitty's attempts to wake up his mom, who is just trying to get some sleep. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 2025

But record companies have repeatedly been forced to reckon with the wide gulf that separates a viral hit from an enduring career. —Elias Leight, Billboard, 16 May 2025

However, on Thursday, May 15, the actress appeared to recreate Hilaria's recent viral sidewalk photos, after social media users pointed out how Hilaria toted her book for cameras. —Benjamin Vanhoose, People.com, 16 May 2025

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