viral

[vahy-ruhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a virus.

2. pertaining to or involving the spreading of information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially on the internet or in emails.

   a clever viral ad.

3. becoming very popular by circulating quickly from person to person, especially through the internet.

   the most memorable viral videos;

   This book is already viral two weeks before its official publication date.

4. pertaining to a computer virus.

viral

/ ˈvaɪrəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a virus

2. (of a video, image, story, etc) spread quickly and widely among internet users via social networking sites, e-mail, etc

Other Word Forms

• antiviral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of viral¹

First recorded in 1935–40; vir(us) + -al ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go viral, to spread rapidly via the internet, email, or other media.

   Footage of the candidate's off-color remarks went viral within minutes.

Example Sentences

The vote on the Sanders resolution also took place at an especially visceral moment of Israel’s assault on Gaza, with images of starving children going viral and the international media reporting on a looming famine.

From Salon

While viral replication results in uncontrolled production of a large amounts of the protein, the way it’s produced by the mRNA vaccine is very different.

From Salon

Weiss is a controversial figure, having gained national prominence after leaving the New York Times in 2020 with a viral resignation letter.

From Salon

“We really broke out and became sort of a viral unexpected hit at that festival and that really made my entire career from that point exist.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gough: It all grew out of the viral dance from the first season.

From Los Angeles Times