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

Monroe schools' viral video landed in the national spotlight in a television segment and article by the Today Show. —Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025

TikTok creators Brigette and Danielle Pheloung — best known for their viral blowout technique, productive morning routines and buzzy partnerships with Tarte, Tory Burch and Michael Kors — are taking their talents offline to launch their first fashion brand, Phe Phe. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

This Kansas City comic and content creator made a jingle that went viral and landed him a staring role in a Wendy’s restaurant commercial. —Mara Williams, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2025

My research shows that real change happens not in viral TikToks but in drab meeting rooms — the phones-down, notebooks-out work of local governance. —Big Think, 12 Nov. 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