A virtual world is a simulated environment that can be accessed by multiple users who can explore the world concurrently and independently using an avatar. The virtual world provides the user with perceptual data while also including the real-time action and communication of other users, as well as their movements.

Massive multiplayer online games make use of virtual worlds to enable players to construct and travel between spaces within the world. Virtual worlds, according to proponents of the metaverse, can have applications other than gaming, such as collaboration software and medical care. Virtual worlds are also known as synthetic worlds.