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 Yelp-ification of Medicine Healthcare is increasingly consumer-driven — fueled by viral demand for everything from Ozempic to off-label ADHD meds — and physicians are feeling the pressure from the requests. John Samuels, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Explore See latest videos, charts and news Among the scenes shared by Finneas: a viral video showing Australian 9News reporter Lauren Tomasi being struck by a rubber bullet while covering the unrest. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 9 June 2025 Meanwhile, on social media, videos about two-thousands diet culture have become regular viral fare. Dayna Tortorici, New Yorker, 9 June 2025 The feud between Biles and Gaines has become one of the most viral topics on social media in the last three days, dominating the top trending section on X, while prompting heated debates and controversial media coverage of the issue. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 8 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Viral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viral. Accessed 14 Jun. 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

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!