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

During one virtual meeting in November, which was open for journalists and others to observe, about 45 people attended, ranging in age from college students to retirees. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

During IndieWire’s Pass the Remote virtual panel, presented in partnership with Disney, one of the episode’s directors John Requa said that their first idea to shoot the thriller series at real life locations came with too many difficulties. —Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 12 Nov. 2025

Sangiacomo assembled a virtual dream team of design talent to create the home. —Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025

This is a virtual event, hosted on Zoom. —Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025

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