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

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

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