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-person training has built-in limits — only a certain number of people could use a machine or fit in a room at once, but training in a virtual environment means that a near infinite number of people can be in the program at the same time.
—
Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
That's all much the same as on the 5 N. With the 6 N, though, Hyundai's engineers made some significant improvements in the car's virtual shifting, which is a huge part of what makes this series so much fun.
—Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
Even if physical offices are closed, many clinics now offer virtual counseling or can connect you with therapists and medication refills remotely.
—Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2025
Many states expressly bar lifers, and virtual lifers, from rehabilitation programs, college education, and any opportunity beyond their cells, favoring those who will one day be released into society and might contribute to it.
—Brooke Allen, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for virtual
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Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
That's all much the same as on the 5 N. With the 6 N, though, Hyundai's engineers made some significant improvements in the car's virtual shifting, which is a huge part of what makes this series so much fun.
—Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
Even if physical offices are closed, many clinics now offer virtual counseling or can connect you with therapists and medication refills remotely.
—Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, The Conversation, 13 July 2025
Many states expressly bar lifers, and virtual lifers, from rehabilitation programs, college education, and any opportunity beyond their cells, favoring those who will one day be released into society and might contribute to it.
—Brooke Allen, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for virtual
Cite this Entry
“Virtual.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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
: being on or simulated on a computer or computer network
a virtual classroom
virtually
adverb
-ē
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