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
Examples of viral in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Enamorado garnered widespread attention on TikTok and Instagram for his viral videos that called attention to episodes where people attacked street vendors, made racist comments or engaged in acts of police violence.
—
Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
Several tech outlets are also saying Apple will announce a partnership with OpenAI, the creator behind the viral ChatGPT tool.
—Andrew Torgan, CNN, 9 June 2024
Her research on the interplay between tumors and immune cells also has helped scientists better understand how to fight viral infections and chronic diseases.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, whereas viral infections go away on their own.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 1 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for viral 
Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024
Several tech outlets are also saying Apple will announce a partnership with OpenAI, the creator behind the viral ChatGPT tool.
—Andrew Torgan, CNN, 9 June 2024
Her research on the interplay between tumors and immune cells also has helped scientists better understand how to fight viral infections and chronic diseases.
—Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2024
Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, whereas viral infections go away on their own.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 1 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for viral
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'viral.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near viral
Cite this Entry
“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 15 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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