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 one classroom, several large screens are mounted on the walls and offer virtual simulation of surgeries. —Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025

Gradual steps, such as finally hiring a virtual assistant, restructuring packages or setting boundaries that free up time, can lead to major wins. —Veranda Adkins, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Currently on a seven-game winning streak, the Aces find themselves in a virtual tie with the Phoenix Mercury for the No. 4 seed with just nine games left in the season. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025

The agency is doing a virtual review of some properties ahead of time. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 20 Aug. 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

: 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

-ē

adverb