virtual reality

American  

[vur-choo-uhl ree-al-i-tee] / ˈvɜr tʃu əl riˈæl ɪ ti /

noun

Digital Technology.

1. a realistic and immersive computer simulation of a three-dimensional environment, created using interactive software and hardware, and experienced or controlled by movement of the body. VR

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virtual reality British  

noun

1.  VR.  a computer-generated environment that, to the person experiencing it, closely resembles reality See also virtual

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virtual reality Scientific  

1. A computer simulation of a real or imaginary world or scenario, in which a user may interact with simulated objects or living things in real time. More sophisticated virtual reality systems place sensors on the user's body to sense movements that are then interpreted by the system as movements in the simulated world; binocular goggles are sometimes used to simulate the appearance of objects in three dimensions.

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virtual reality Cultural  

1. The creation of images and tactile sensations by means of a computer, producing the illusion of reality. Images are often projected onto special goggles to strengthen the illusion. (See cyberspace.)

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Etymology

Origin of virtual reality

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

virtual reality

Meta's virtual reality division, Reality Labs, remained deep in the red, posting an operating loss of $4.6 billion in the quarter.

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

By contrast, the virtual reality version of Liberland I'm currently being shown, designed by Zaha Hadid's ZHA architecture firm, features gleaming towers, floating public parks, and gravity-defying water features.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

When Zuckerberg became convinced that a virtual reality “metaverse” was Facebook’s future, it was Bosworth he put in charge of the initiative, which was widely seen as an expensive disaster.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026

In “Like This,” from the Glass/Wilson virtual reality “Monsters of Grace” originally created in 1998 at UCLA, the 12th century whirling dervish Turkish poet Rumi exalts the wonder of dying of love.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 21, 2026

She doesn’t understand why these Deckers aren’t home with loved ones, particularly those two teen boys today, who, as they were leaving, talked about how underwhelming the virtual reality experience was.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera