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

Game day, where employees can take a break to play board games, video games, yard games, virtual games, etc. • Friday: Movie day, where employees either watch a movie in the office or go to a theater together. —Steve Sonnenberg, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

The current plan is a virtual announcement on January 23. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2025

But as virtual fitness opportunities have proliferated these past few years, it’s become clear that social connections can exist outside physical proximity. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 16 Jan. 2025

This is limited-edition release has a price tag of $4,200 and is available to purchase directly from the Louis XIII virtual boutique. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025

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