virtual

American  

[vur-choo-uhl] / ˈvɜr tʃu əl /

adjective

1. being as specified in power, force, or effect, though not actually or expressly such.

   One of the VPs was the virtual CEO of the company.

2. Optics.

   1. (of an image, such as one in a mirror) formed by the apparent convergence of rays that are prolonged geometrically, but not actually (opposed to real).

   2. being a focus of a system forming such images.

3. Digital Technology. real, but existing, seen, or happening online or on a digital screen, rather than in person or in the physical world.

   You can take a virtual tour of the museum before your visit.

   How do I become a virtual personal trainer?

   Some students struggle with virtual learning and need the support of a physical classroom.

4. Computers.

   1. (of a computer, data storage device, operating system, etc.) simulated or extended by software, sometimes temporarily, in such a way as to function and appear to the user as a physical entity.

      You can create a virtual disk in RAM, or virtual storage on a hard disk.

   2. relating or belonging to virtual reality.

      The headset and controller allow users to do things like draw images and wave wands in the virtual world.

      Your swing determines the path of the ball and where it lands on the virtual golf course, just as if it were played on a real one.

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virtual British  

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəl /

adjective

1. having the essence or effect but not the appearance or form of

   a virtual revolution

2. physics being, relating to, or involving a virtual image

   a virtual focus

3. computing of or relating to virtual storage

   virtual memory

4. of or relating to a computer technique by which a person, wearing a headset or mask, has the experience of being in an environment created by the computer, and of interacting with and causing changes in it

5. rare capable of producing an effect through inherent power or virtue

6. physics designating or relating to a particle exchanged between other particles that are interacting by a field of force See also exchange force

   a virtual photon

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Usage

What does virtual mean? Virtual is most generally used to describe something as being the same as something else in almost every way, except perhaps in name or some other minor, technical sense. For example, describing a company as a virtual monopoly means it’s pretty much a monopoly but not technically one, perhaps because it has a few minor competitors. Virtual also commonly means simulated or extended by computer software. The word is used this way in virtual reality, which refers to a fully simulated environment. Some things described as virtual may not be quite as immersive as virtual reality, such as a virtual museum tour that you can navigate on a website. Sometimes, things described as virtual may not involve simulation at all, such as a virtual meeting or a virtual concert. The use of virtual in these phrases represents a more recent sense of the word that means something like “remote and via the internet” (especially when accessed via a live video feed). The adverb form virtually can be used in the same way, as in I can’t make it into the office, but I’ll be working virtually. Virtually is perhaps most commonly used in a more general way to mean in effect though not in fact, as in Today, virtually all cell phones are smartphones. Close synonyms are nearly, practically, and just about—they all mean virtually the same thing. Example: The virtual convention will feature real speeches from virtually every VR expert in the industry.

Other Word Forms

• virtuality noun

Etymology

Origin of virtual

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin virtuālis, from Latin virtu(s) “maleness, worth” ( see virtue) + -ālis -al ¹

Explanation

The adjective virtual is used to describe something that exists in essence but not in actuality. You may have made a virtual friend on an online gaming site, but don't expect that person to meet you for coffee. Although virtual can be used to describe anything that exists in effect, but not in fact, it is often used to describe things created in a computer or online world. "She enjoyed playing the virtual role-playing game with her online friends." Virtual can also be used to mean "almost" — as in, "The blizzard brought the city to a virtual standstill, with subway and bus passengers stranded on the sidewalks."

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, state regulators are targeting VPNs - virtual private networks used to circumvent restrictions.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

It’s about rebuilding a real world that can go alongside the virtual one.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

But the story changed over the weekend and today vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz was back to a virtual standstill.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

The detective sent Google a demand for information known as a “geofence warrant,” referring to a virtual fence around a particular geographic area at a specific time.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

He was at the moment, she told them, a virtual prisoner on an island ruled over by the nymph Calypso, who loved him and planned never to let him go.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• computer-generated
• computerized
• simulated