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

Examples of viral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her viral video of the weight rooms provided by the NCAA for the women compared to the lavish facilities for the men prompted change. —Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Feb. 2025

The map gained viral attention on Reddit's r/europe subreddit from people interested in comparing their home stats to other locations. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025

Videos of the moment quickly went viral drawing concern from fans of the singer online. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025

The study determined the optimal period for airborne viral transmission occurred from noon on February 4 to midnight on February 5. —John Drake, Forbes, 21 Feb. 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