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.
The viral clip from user @ilovegolden_retrievers has amassed 1.4 million views since it was posted Sunday. Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025 The fanbase garnered negative national attention after one of their own, New Jersey man Ryan Caldwell, was seen in a viral video verbally berating a woman with vulgar slurs during the team's first playoff game against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 12. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025 That lesson was quickly learned following his viral Kanye West interview—an episode that turned out to be one of the most controversial in Drink Champs history. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 29 Jan. 2025 After the release of popular flavors like the Salted Caramel Frosty or the launch of their viral Krabby Patty, fast food chain Wendy's began their pursuit of other potential flavors that might rock the worlds of their customers. Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2025 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 1 Feb. 2025.

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

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