English · Word Candidate

viral

/ˈvaɪɹəl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: virals

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of or relating to a biological virus.

Adjective

Examples

viral DNA

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Caused by a virus.

Adjective

Examples

viral infection

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A video, image or text spread by "word of mouth" on the internet or by e-mail for humorous, political or marketing purposes.

Noun

Examples

2002, Nik Lever, Flash Mx Games: ActionScript for Artists, Focal Press, page 411, Using the Flash ActiveX control in this way allows you as a developer to create desktop characters, email virals and screensavers.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “viral” mean?

Of or relating to a biological virus.

Is “viral” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.