virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvər-chə-wəl How to pronounce virtual (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its 11-acre Savannah Film Studios features a 5,500-square-foot virtual production space with two LED volume stages and a backlot that currently boasts 40 street facades with 8,000-plus square feet of attached dressed interiors. Todd Longwell, Variety, 16 May 2025 The partnership will also include special events, such as a biannual virtual open house featuring high-profile keynote speakers, as well as collaborations on educational panels and networking opportunities at major film festivals and industry summits. Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2025 Entry fees range from $25 for a virtual 5K to $45 for the 10K run. Marcus D. Smith, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2025 Located in North West London, Garden Studios boasts 8 sound stages and 8 warehouses as well as a virtual production stage. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtual

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtual was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

virtual

adjective
vir·​tu·​al ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce virtual (audio)
ˈvər-chəl
: being in effect but not in fact or name
a virtual dictator
: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network
a virtual classroom
virtually
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on virtual

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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