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

It was just a couple of years ago that major corporations were looking to virtual reality as the future of business, whether for internal meetings or external customer experiences.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

The company is cutting more than 1,000 jobs from its Reality Labs division where employees work on its virtual reality and augmented reality efforts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 2026

Over the next 20 years, some other disruption will have us finally embrace virtual reality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Horizon Worlds, the virtual reality app that tied into Meta’s Quest VR headsets, will disappear in June, but remain an option for mobile phone users.

From Barron's • Mar. 19, 2026

In virtual reality, Asher looks like a standing avatar; in real life, he is paralyzed from the waist down and sits in what must be the world’s most expensive wheelchair.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu