viral
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/ˈvaɪrəl/
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A quality of being caused by a virus, and, by extension, the rapid spread of something—especially digital content—across the internet.
Examples
A viral rash appeared on his arms after exposure.
The outbreak was caused by a viral pathogen.
Researchers studied the viral genome to develop a vaccine.
Doctors prescribed antiviral medication for the viral illness.
The meme became viral after just a few hours.
Similar words
catchy
trending
epidemic
infectious
widely-shared
contagious
communicable
popular
spreading
transmissible
Meanings
Examples
The patient was diagnosed with a viral infection.
Doctors prescribed antiviral medication for the viral illness.
A viral rash appeared on his arms after exposure.
She tested negative for viral hepatitis.
The outbreak was caused by a viral pathogen.
Researchers studied the viral genome to develop a vaccine.
Similar words
infectious
contagious
pathogenic
epidemic
transmissible
communicable
spreading
Examples
The meme became viral after just a few hours.
Their marketing campaign went viral, reaching millions.
A viral tweet can change public opinion overnight.
The video went viral, racking up thousands of views.
He hopes his song will go viral on TikTok.
The challenge turned viral, spreading across platforms.
Similar words
trending
buzzworthy
widely-shared
memetic
catchy
popular
Etymology
From Latin virus ‘poison, slime’ + the suffix -al, recorded in English in the mid‑20th century.
FAQ
What does viral mean in medicine?
Viral describes diseases or conditions that are caused by a virus and can be transmitted between people.
How is viral used to describe online content?
When a piece of content spreads quickly and widely on the internet, especially through social media, it is called viral.
Can viral be used as a noun?
No, viral is an adjective; the noun form is virality.
Is viral always negative?
Not at all; in medical contexts it can be neutral, while in online contexts it often has a positive connotation of popularity.
What is the difference between viral and contagious?
Viral refers specifically to something caused by a virus, whereas contagious can describe any disease that spreads easily, viral or not.
When did viral first appear in English?
The adjective viral is first recorded in the mid‑20th century, derived from Latin virus plus the suffix ‑al.
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