virulent

adjective

vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
ˈvir-yə-
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and destructive course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome bodily defensive mechanisms : markedly pathogenic
virulent bacteria
2
: extremely poisonous or venomous
3
: full of malice : malignant
virulent racists
4
: objectionably harsh or strong
virulent criticism
virulently adverb

Examples of virulent in a Sentence

The country seemed to be returning to the virulent nationalism of its past. the virulent look on her face warned me that she was about to say something unkind
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Helene left many lessons to be learned among inland communities in the paths of increasingly virulent storms. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 21 May 2025 Just then, however, a virulent backlash against generative A.I. swept through Hollywood. Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 21 May 2025 The virulent Delta variant, for example, appeared in the spring of 2021 and was overtaken by the Omicron variant, which also caused severe disease, that November. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025 After being the target of virulent antisemitism as a child and while grappling with drug addiction as a young man, Isaacs stumbled into acting — and quickly made a name for himself. Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virulent

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "discharging watery pus, purulent," borrowed from Latin vīrulentus "full of poison, venomous," from vīrus "venom, poisonous fluid" + -ulentus "having in quantity, full of" — more at virus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of virulent was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virulent. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

virulent

adjective
vir·​u·​lent ˈvir-(y)ə-lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and often deadly course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome or break down the defenses of the body
a virulent germ
2
: extremely poisonous : noxious
3
: full of hate : spiteful
virulently adverb

Medical Definition

virulent

adjective
vir·​u·​lent -lənt How to pronounce virulent (audio)
1
a
: marked by a rapid, severe, and malignant course
a virulent infection
b
: able to overcome bodily defense mechanisms
a virulent pathogen
2
: extremely poisonous or venomous : noxious

More from Merriam-Webster on virulent

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