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
In the virtual worlds of online gaming, players have posted abusive messages in chats, created antisemitic imagery and even given themselves bigoted usernames.
—
Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
The virtual ticket box opens April 2 for locals in Southern California and Oklahoma.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
In a virtual conference in February, Pinillos said the cost discipline would fuel 50 percent of the company’s break-even push, with the other 50 percent coming from growth in operating margins.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
But there are many scenarios in which a virtual hearing may be the only way for a member of the public to witness the proceedings in an immigration court.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for virtual
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Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026
The virtual ticket box opens April 2 for locals in Southern California and Oklahoma.
—Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
In a virtual conference in February, Pinillos said the cost discipline would fuel 50 percent of the company’s break-even push, with the other 50 percent coming from growth in operating margins.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 30 Mar. 2026
But there are many scenarios in which a virtual hearing may be the only way for a member of the public to witness the proceedings in an immigration court.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for virtual
Cite this Entry
“Virtual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
virtual
adjective
vir·tu·al
ˈvərch-(ə-)wəl
ˈvər-chəl
1
: being in effect but not in fact or name
a virtual dictator
2
: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network
a virtual classroom
virtually
adverb
-ē
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