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

Speaking at a virtual CNBC Workforce Executive Council Town Hall last week, Brooks told chief human resources officers and other talent leaders that going after idols such as money, power, pleasure and fame will not deliver lasting happiness. —Susan Caminiti, CNBC, 16 Dec. 2025

The approach, which is based on reinforcement learning—a technique where an agent learns by trial and error to accomplish a goal—should help power more capable virtual assistants and, eventually, real-world robots. —Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 16 Dec. 2025

Maryland residents will have a chance Tuesday night to hear updates and weigh in on the effort to rebuild Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge during a virtual meeting hosted by the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA). —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025

Training sessions are offered to producers, department heads, cast, and crew via virtual or in-person meetings during pre-production led by an experienced attorney. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 16 Dec. 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

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