IRL

American  

1. in real life (in contrast with communication and interaction online or in a fictional situation).

   I play online video games with people I've never met IRL.

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IRL British  

abbreviation

1. text messaging in real life

2. Ireland (international car registration)

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Etymology

Origin of IRL

From its use in digital communications

Example Sentences

Hudson Williams and his IRL bestie Connor Storrie have secured appearances at the Golden Globes and the 2026 Winter Olympics, where they carried the torch of the ceremony and a brighter era of LGBTQ+ visibility.

From Salon

Everything we need to understand about what happened IRL this year is explained by what happened online.

From Slate

I was ready to see a few desert sunsets from the Sightseer Lounge and hear what people say when they have the time to chat with a stranger IRL.

From Los Angeles Times

"International rugby league has never been more competitive and there will be genuine superstars across all groups and stages in this tournament," said IRL chairman Troy Grant.

From Barron's

And so, while his siblings FaceTime with their IRL families, Joe finds himself on a British barstool — a pubstool — beside a bearded stranger in a red leather jacket.

From Los Angeles Times