virtual reality

noun

: an artificial environment which is experienced through sensory stimuli (such as sights and sounds) provided by a computer and in which one's actions partially determine what happens in the environment

also : the technology used to create or access a virtual reality

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web And then, in 2017, Inarritu was awarded an honorary Oscar for his virtual reality installation of that same year, Carne y Arena. —

Scott Feinberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2023 Residents also have access to virtual reality programs that help brain function and memory recall. —

San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Jan. 2023 The institution also brings space exploration to life through films, simulations, and virtual reality programming. —

Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2023 Web3 strategy, including virtual reality cinema experiences and using technology to drive traffic to theaters. —

Marco Quiroz-gutierrez, Fortune, 13 Jan. 2023 The school's grand opening is Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can enjoy food, games and trying out the school's virtual reality sets and 3D printer while learning about Code Wiz Oak Forest. —

Brianna Griff, Chron, 12 Jan. 2023 Meanwhile, the startup Holoride announced the release of a smart speaker-sized device that can equip any vehicle to handle its virtual reality system. —

Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2023 The virtual reality space is continuing to grow, and artists still have plenty of room to carve out their own niche within it. —

Gideon Kimbrell, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2023 The movie had a lot of special effects, including a computer with no keyboard and a virtual reality interface that was well ahead of its time. —

Emil Sayegh, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'virtual reality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of virtual reality was in 1987

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near virtual reality

virtual private network

virtual reality

virtue

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Virtual reality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual%20reality. Accessed 5 Feb. 2023.

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Kids Definition

virtual reality

noun

: an artificial environment which is experienced through sights and sounds provided by a computer and in which one's actions partly decide what happens in the environment