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

Rhode’s marketing was focused on hero products, such as the viral Peptide Glazing Fluid. —Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025

The idea for the fight was born out of the viral 100 men vs. one gorilla online debate. —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 29 May 2025

YouTube Video footage of the collapsing glacier went viral Wednesday afternoon as the natural disaster unfolded. —Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 29 May 2025

Listen to this article 2 min New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said the team is aware of a viral video circulating on social media that appeared to show wide receiver Stefon Diggs passing around a bag of an unidentified pink substance. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 29 May 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