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

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

Independent antivirus testing labs strive to create tests that emulate real-world situations, but this emulation isn't perfect. —PC Magazine, 27 Aug. 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