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

virality

vī-ˈra-lə-tē 

noun

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Robbie Williams was not using cocaine during the World Cup final on Sunday, after a video went viral of a white object falling from his mouth onto a microphone during an interview. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 21 July 2026

Who draws crowds from across an entire country on a Tuesday night in November, year after year, without a viral moment and without an algorithm? — Ramin Seyed, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

All those viral interviews about the cast and crew hiking thirty minutes up every day? — Charlie Hobbs, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026

The third annual Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center in New York City wrapped up on Sunday, completing four days of an unparalleled sports fandom smorgasbord and viral moment factory. — David Betancourt, New York Times, 20 July 2026

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