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 a virtual presentation to the convention, Frances Patano with the state party described the efforts to turn out reliable Democratic voters and reach those who could be open to voting for someone other than a Republican. —Stephen Fowler, NPR, 31 May 2026

Participants — scouted through social-media research and recommendations from other creators and platform partners — move through virtual workshops and training before capping the experience by capturing content at the Disney Parks. —Jon Youshaei, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

Her firstborn, Emma, shared some of the performer’s words of wisdom in a joint virtual appearance with the Mary Poppins star on The Kelly Clarkson Show in 2020. —Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 30 May 2026

Some medical experts are concerned that virtual care may be insufficient for prescribing weight loss drugs. —Maia Rosenfeld, NBC news, 29 May 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