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
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The attorney for a businessman accused of harassing an endangered Hawaiian monk seal is publicly defending his client after a viral video captured the incident and sparked outrage online. Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 18 May 2026 Club Kid, arguably the festival’s hottest title in terms of commercial potential, comes from Jordan Firstman, a comedian who built his following through viral Instagram skits during the pandemic before crossing over into features. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026 The show went viral upon its first release, with the 10 episodes racking up 8 million views over the course of its release. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 May 2026 Sketches have also repeatedly gone viral, meaning the show is breaking through online. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 17 May 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 18 May. 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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