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

The project will be the next phase of the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art of the African Diaspora (MoCAAD), a virtual museum that celebrated its 10th anniversary in December at a gala at the Lyric Theater. —Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

Considering Leonhard’s will have to be virtual with the Broncos still in the playoffs, his makes the most sense for scheduling on Friday. —Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026

The card was viewed as a way to expand the company’s digital Apple Pay services, marrying the physical card to a virtual one and integrating both with the iPhone. —Michelle Chapman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2026

The settlement is a landmark moment for Garcia, as well as other families who have claimed that their teens were harmed by what have been described as sexualized and interactive virtual companions. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 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