viral

[ vahy-ruhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a virus.
2. pertaining to or involving the spreading of information and opinions about a product or service from person to person, especially on the internet or in emails: viral marketing.

   a clever viral ad.

3. becoming very popular by circulating quickly from person to person, especially through the internet:

   the most memorable viral videos;

   This book is already viral two weeks before its official publication date.

4. pertaining to a computer virus.

viral

/ ˈvaɪrəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by a virus
2. (of a video, image, story, etc) spread quickly and widely among internet users via social networking sites, e-mail, etc

Other Words From

• anti·viral adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of viral¹

First recorded in 1935–40; vir(us) + -al ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. go viral, to spread rapidly via the internet, email, or other media:

   Footage of the candidate's off-color remarks went viral within minutes.

Example Sentences

The romantic comedy went viral when it was released in September and was renewed for another season two weeks after its debut.

From Los Angeles Times

Videos of turbulence from inside plane cabins have gone viral over the last year.

From Los Angeles Times

Coinciding with the break-up reports is an anonymous, unverified tip to the gossip purveyor Deuxmoi that went viral and that many speculated was about the couple.

From Los Angeles Times

This viral vector allows for highly efficient gene transfer, especially to the central nervous system.

From Science Daily

And I also think that it’s very affirming in general as a creative because you’re constantly keeping this hope alive that at any moment, anything you put out could go viral.

From Los Angeles Times