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

Join us for a virtual Fortune 500 Europe C-suite conversation, in partnership with Syndio, on mastering workforce decisions and pay transparency in the age of AI. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026

Community meetings, workshops, and virtual sessions are scheduled through the end of March as leaders refine the proposal. —Monique John, CBS News, 23 Mar. 2026

Half an hour later, Jackson sat in the locker room, towel over his head and face, speaking in a virtual whisper. —Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026

A bit like modern e-sports, spectators could observe the virtual match. —Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 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