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

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

There is a difference between simplistic ability and that of talent, and Audra McDonald is a steady and bright emulation of both, with an extraordinary ability. —Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025

The Current captain is the perfect emulation of the city and leads the team with her voice and play on the field. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025

But Mastro shows how Beijing limited the kind of emulation that would have made clear to U.S. policymakers that China had ambitions to challenge the United States’ position on the global stage. —Oriana Skylar Mastro, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 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