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

The new incident comes after earlier concerns about Waymo operations in Austin — and an earlier viral video of one of its errant robotaxis. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026

Baltimore police are working to identify a bouncer who was seen in a viral video putting someone in a chokehold outside of an establishment in Federal Hill. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 2 Mar. 2026

But a viral trend is now touting that very simplicity, and the result is something akin to the human equivalent of dog food. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026

In keeping with the viral beauty trend inspired by makeup artist Nina Park, Bieber has tailored her every day makeup look around the blurred lips that dominated the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet. —Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 1 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