viral

adjective

vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce viral (audio)
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 adverb

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some technical issues were reported Tuesday morning in Kentucky, including voting machines crashing, and officials have pushed back against debunked viral videos that appear to show machines glitching by selecting a different candidate than the voter chose. Conor Murray, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Cat eating habits have frequently become the subject of viral moments online. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 This cough can linger for a month or more, unlike most viral infections that resolve faster. Alyssa Hui-Anderson, Verywell Health, 5 Nov. 2024 His campaign trail stunts are basically designed to generate TV coverage and viral moments online. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for viral 

Word History

Etymology

vir(us) + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viral was in 1937

Dictionary Entries Near viral

Cite this Entry

“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 27 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

viral

adjective
vi·​ral ˈvī-rəl How to pronounce viral (audio)
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 How to pronounce viral (audio)
: of, relating to, or caused by a virus
viral infections
virally adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on viral

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!