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
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Clare and Damion Barrington-Chappell from Bristol in the United Kingdom were staying at an up-scale hotel near Winchester, Hampshire, together when the interaction happened, leading to a hilarious viral video on TikTok. Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024 Some viral videos involved more than one animal, like one the USA TODAY Network obtained in June showing a fearless bear fighting off two alligators in a Florida river. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024 The viral video showed Martin, dressed in custom blue Valentino, in a moment with another deb, French countess Aliénor Loppin de Montmort. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024 After his phone was swiped by someone on an electric bike, Paul Gurney, CEO of BecomingX, shared protection tips in a viral LinkedIn post. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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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