virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvər-chə-wəl How to pronounce virtual (audio)
-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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Quantum computers could process massive amounts of data instantly, making virtual offices smooth and efficient. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 That virtual ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 26. The Deadline Team, Deadline, 17 Mar. 2025 This winter, after several instances of intense backlash over Trump’s policies at town halls throughout the country, national Republican campaign leaders urged members to host virtual town halls instead of in-person events. Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 16 Mar. 2025 High school students who sat through virtual classes during the pandemic may have been inclined to flock south for a more authentic college experience. Thomas Oide, Axios, 16 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for virtual

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtual was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

virtual

adjective
: 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
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on virtual

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