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

His viral enthusiasm is more contagious than Covid. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

Parton also reflected on the recent viral moment between her and an overjoyed young fan during one of her Dollywood parades. —Rachel McRady, People.com, 2 May 2025

Libby sued Fecteau after she was censured by the state legislature's Democratic majority in February for a viral Facebook post that identified a trans athlete who won a girls competition. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025

And a viral question about man versus gorilla has sparked lighthearted debate. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 1 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