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

These intelligent, virtual replicas allow organizations to simulate outcomes, predict failures, and optimize performance across manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, and transportation. —Phil Kafarakis, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Superintendent Tony Watlington said all School District of Philadelphia school buildings will be closed, but Tuesday will be a virtual learning day for students. —Tom Dougherty, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026

Kaiser said that some in-person appointments may need to be virtual instead and some appointments, elective surgeries and procedures may need to be rescheduled. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2026

For those who may prefer to be at home, a virtual meet-up is an option that offers more flexibility. —Lily Hautau, CNN Money, 26 Jan. 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