virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvər-chə-wəl 

-chəl;

ˈvərch-wəl

1

: being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted

a virtual dictator

2

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

print or virtual books

a virtual keyboard

: such as

a

: occurring or existing primarily online

virtual shopping

b

: of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality

a virtual tour

3

: of, relating to, or using virtual memory

4

: of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence

virtual photons

compare real sense 3

Examples of virtual in a Sentence

The website provides a virtual tour of the stadium.

Recent Examples on the Web

In this virtual event, join AD PRO Senior Editor Catherine Hong in conversation with AD100 interior designer Jake Arnold to discuss the art of the client experience. — Ad Pro, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

The group, which endorsed Jackson last week, is hosting a virtual rally headlining Jackson alongside the leftist Senate candidate in Michigan, Abdul el Sayed, on Monday night. — Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026

On Monday night, the city hosted its second virtual town hall on the Upper East Side cluster. — Ali Bauman, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The hotel offers a (virtual) workshop with a pro photographer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, efficacious, potential, from Medieval Latin virtualis, from Latin virtus strength, virtue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing virtual

• virtual colonoscopy
• virtual image
• virtual memory
• virtual private network
• virtual reality

Kids Definition

virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl 

ˈvər-chəl

1

: being in effect but not in fact or name

a virtual dictator

2

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

a virtual classroom

virtually

-ē

adverb