emulation

noun

em·​u·​la·​tion ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən 

-yü-

1

: ambition or endeavor to equal or excel others (as in achievement)

2

a

: imitation

b

: the use of or technique of using an emulator

3

obsolete : ambitious or envious rivalry

emulative

ˈem-yə-ˌlā-tiv 

adjective

emulatively adverb

Examples of emulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Apple claims that the new Apple Sparse Image Format (ASIF) supports quicker disk reads and writes than existing formats, which should result in faster emulation of Windows systems on a Mac. —Edward Mendelson, PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025

Once those Mega-LD discs were finally ripped successfully, Nemesis said getting the actual emulation working was surprisingly pain-free. —Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 2 Sep. 2025

To further mirror the way human doctors approach such challenging cases, the Microsoft team also built an Orchestrator: a virtual emulation of the sounding board of colleagues and consultations that physicians often seek out in complex cases. —Alice Park, Time, 2 July 2025

After all, leading with humanity—leading from the heart—can help any organization build a legacy of success that's worthy of emulation, inspiration and celebration. —Edward Deangelis, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin aemulātiōn-, aemulātiō, from aemulārī "to vie with, rival, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at emulate entry 1

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for emulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

emulation

noun

em·​u·​la·​tion ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən 

: the ambition or effort to emulate

emulative

ˈem-yə-ˌlāt-iv 

adjective