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

In addition, tap and pay and host card emulation (HCE) enhance secure, contactless payments. —Bindesh Pandey, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

Creative threat hunting, anomaly detection and adversary emulation can uncover threats that traditional tools miss. —Tk Keanini, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

While this wouldn't be a trivial technical lift on Microsoft's part, the same emulation layer that powers Xbox console backward compatibility could surely be ported to Windows with a little bit of work. —Ars Technica, 11 Mar. 2025

The game emulation is capable and responsive, reminiscent of the NES Classic and SNES Classic's emulation. —PCMAG, 15 Jan. 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