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

That accidental confession, followed by the encounter with the stranger on the sidewalk, set in motion a two-decade arc that now finds Mandel as the public face of NOCD, a virtual therapy company that has grown into the largest telehealth provider specializing in OCD treatment. —Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 June 2026

Driving ranges like Topgolf and indoor virtual simulators have also helped grow participation in the sport, with a new wave of casual players driving demand for golf gadgets. —Jack Bantock, CNN Money, 5 June 2026

As virtual and augmented reality continue expanding across healthcare, retail, hospitality, industrial manufacturing, engineering, and other industries, organizations are increasingly exploring how these systems may contribute to broader human development. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 4 June 2026

More than 50 Philadelphia public schools will go virtual on Friday because of excessive heat, the school district says. —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 4 June 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