virtual assistant

[ vur-choo-uhl uh-sis-tuhnt ]

noun

1. a person, as a freelance office assistant, who works remotely in an administrative role.
2. dig·it·al as·sis·tant [dij, -i-tl , uh, -, sis, -t, uh, nt],. Digital Technology. a device or piece of software that can perform basic tasks and answer some questions in response to spoken natural language, often following a command or prompt.

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtual assistant¹

First recorded in 2000–05 virtual assistant fordef 1, and in 2010–15 virtual assistant fordef 2

Example Sentences

The goal is to capture what employees know and create a virtual assistant that can answer questions with more accuracy.

From Washington Post

Smart microwaves can also connect to your smartphone through WiFi and be controlled with virtual assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or select brand apps.

From Popular-Science

Before purchasing make sure you check each vacuum’s compatibility, especially if you are using an Android or you are looking to connect to a specific virtual assistant.

From Popular-Science

Artificial intelligence and virtual assistants are constantly being refined, and may soon be making appointments for you, offering medical advice, or trying to sell you a bottle of wine.

From Singularity Hub 

Google Duplex, a virtual assistant originally designed to help consumers make appointments or reservations at local businesses that lacked online scheduling, further accelerates this trend.

From Search Engine Land

Outsource It—Send a task to your FancyHands virtual assistant to do for you and then forget about it.

From The Daily Beast