virtual

adjective

vir·​tu·​al ˈvər-chə-wəl How to pronounce virtual (audio)
-chəl;
ˈvərch-wəl
Synonyms of virtual
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.
From bringing back college football to taking major steps with Madden franchise mode, the developer/publisher is delivering solid virtual gridiron experiences. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 Global shipment of smart glasses, including those with display glasses or virtual-reality functions, is expected to more than double to 50 million in 2030. Jenny Lee,anniek Bao, CNBC, 6 July 2026 As a result, Television City will now house the company’s virtual production and research and development lab, offering LED volume possibilities to projects that shoot there. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026 Zuckerberg said Meta has been working on the underlying technology since 2014, starting with virtual and augmented reality, and that the company is already planning its 2028 glasses lineup. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 5 July 2026 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 7 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

virtual

adjective
vir·​tu·​al ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl How to pronounce virtual (audio)
ˈvər-chəl
1
: being in effect but not in fact or name
a virtual dictator
2
: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network
a virtual classroom
virtually
adverb

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