virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvər-chə-wəl 

-chəl;

ˈvərch-wəl

1

: being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted

a virtual dictator

2

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

print or virtual books

a virtual keyboard

: such as

a

: occurring or existing primarily online

virtual shopping

b

: of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality

a virtual tour

3

: of, relating to, or using virtual memory

4

: of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence

virtual photons

compare real sense 3

Examples of virtual in a Sentence

The website provides a virtual tour of the stadium.

Recent Examples on the Web

As a pioneer in personal branding and expert in virtual communication, William Arruda empowers professionals to shine online. —William Arruda, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025

Trade FaceTime for face time Kathleen Smith’s days often pass in a virtual haze. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 31 Dec. 2024

In an online foraging game, participants had to collect virtual berries and decide whether to continue depleting the resources or move to nearby patches. —Ryan McRae, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

Platforms like LinkedIn and Clubhouse host virtual meetups where attendees can share ideas, discuss industry trends, and foster partnerships. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, efficacious, potential, from Medieval Latin virtualis, from Latin virtus strength, virtue

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing virtual

• virtual colonoscopy
• virtual image
• virtual memory
• virtual private network
• virtual reality

Kids Definition

virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl 

ˈvər-chəl

: being in effect but not in fact or name

a virtual dictator

: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network

a virtual classroom

virtually

-ē

adverb