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

Hence choosing movies, and doing viral stunts, that would build up his profile among men. —Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026

In a viral video, the best supporting actress nominee is seen scolding a man in a crowd of people. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Mar. 2026

Chalamet has drawn the ire of both the theater community and creative professionals overall since his comments during a Variety and CNN Town Hall in February went viral on social media. —Sharareh Drury, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026

Events that follow the survey, a viral video, a scandal or a sudden wave of campaign spending and advertising can quickly reshape the race and render those snapshots outdated. —Karen Brooks Harper austin Bureau, Dallas Morning News, 16 Mar. 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