virtual
adjective
vir·tu·al
ˈvər-chə-wəl 
-chəl;
ˈvərch-wəl
1
: being such in essence or effect though not formally recognized or admitted
a virtual dictator
2
: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network
print or virtual books
a virtual keyboard
: such as
a
: occurring or existing primarily online
virtual shopping
b
: of, relating to, or existing within a virtual reality
a virtual tour
3
: of, relating to, or using virtual memory
4
: of, relating to, or being a hypothetical particle whose existence is inferred from indirect evidence
virtual photons
compare real sense 3
Examples of virtual in a Sentence
The website provides a virtual tour of the stadium.
Recent Examples on the Web
It’s highly recommended to do so in the planning stages of the trip, but virtual chats will also be available on the day of visits.
—
Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
To acquaint guests with the new resource, visitors can have a virtual video chat with the Accessibility Services team anytime from 30 to 2 days prior to their visit to determine a guest’s eligibility for DAS based on their individual needs.
—Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024
Last year, Stray Vista Studios, the state’s largest space for virtual production, opened in Dripping Springs, 25 miles west of Austin.
—Matt Stevens, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
Wayfair’s 5 Days of Deals sale lasts through April 9, but popular and deeply discounted items are flying off the virtual shelves.
—Rachel Trujillo, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2024
The leadership change comes as the virtual care company hunts for a path forward after a period of explosive growth during the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Mario Aguilar, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024
The collective took evident delight in another irony as well: The fact that video game designers often looked towards dance to give virtual characters some heft.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024
These virtual hunts are not only fun but educational, often incorporating puzzles that teach problem-solving and coding skills.
—Neil Sahota, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The wave led to significant blowback on social media, sparking a virtual shrug from Reese.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
To acquaint guests with the new resource, visitors can have a virtual video chat with the Accessibility Services team anytime from 30 to 2 days prior to their visit to determine a guest’s eligibility for DAS based on their individual needs.
—Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024
Last year, Stray Vista Studios, the state’s largest space for virtual production, opened in Dripping Springs, 25 miles west of Austin.
—Matt Stevens, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024
Wayfair’s 5 Days of Deals sale lasts through April 9, but popular and deeply discounted items are flying off the virtual shelves.
—Rachel Trujillo, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2024
The leadership change comes as the virtual care company hunts for a path forward after a period of explosive growth during the Covid-19 pandemic.
—Mario Aguilar, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024
The collective took evident delight in another irony as well: The fact that video game designers often looked towards dance to give virtual characters some heft.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024
These virtual hunts are not only fun but educational, often incorporating puzzles that teach problem-solving and coding skills.
—Neil Sahota, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024
The wave led to significant blowback on social media, sparking a virtual shrug from Reese.
—Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'virtual.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Virtual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
virtual
adjective
vir·tu·al
ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl
ˈvər-chəl
: being in effect but not in fact or name
a virtual dictator
virtually
adverb
-ē
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