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

This involved competing in simulated games of capture the flag held inside complex, three-dimensional virtual worlds. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2026

The virtual cubes could often identify their shape even if 15 percent of them had been removed, as well as decide which cubes were missing and regenerate neighbors. — Matthew Hutson, Scientific American, 6 Sep. 2026

This appeared to be working before a virtual safety car (VSC) activation for Lance Stroll stopping his Aston Martin at the track’s first chicane changed the face of the race. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Visitors can compete against each other on virtual versions of famous tracks, with options for a range of skill levels. — Chris Teague, AJC.com, 4 Sep. 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