viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl 

1

: of, relating to, or caused by a virus

a viral infection

2

: quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by means of social media

a viral video

virally

ˈvī-rə-lē 

adverb

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On Wednesday, the four-time Grammy winner released two clips from a track on social media that name-dropped Sweeney and referenced the viral ad. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2025

In the last month, our top three most viral Instagram posts were carousels, not reels. —Gianluca Ferruggia, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025

The viral recipe just got an upgrade with this Marry Me Chicken Casserole. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025

This summer has been jam-packed with concerts, which also means there's been no shortage of viral wardrobe malfunctions from music's biggest stars. —Michelle Lee, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

vir(us) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing viral

• viral load
• viral marketing

Rhymes for viral

• chiral
• spiral
• adenoviral
• antiretroviral
• antiviral
• retroviral

Kids Definition

viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl 

1

: of, relating to, or caused by a virus

a viral infection

2

: quickly and widely spread or popularized especially by person-to-person electronic communication

a viral video

Medical Definition

viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl 

: of, relating to, or caused by a virus

viral infections

virally

-rə-lē 

adverb