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

Newspaper clippings from 1960 anticipating its opening detailed its emulation of then-contemporary Japanese decor. —Tyler Faurot, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

While emulation will likely remain popular due to its convenience and low cost, devices like the SN Operator occupy a unique niche. —David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 31 Dec. 2025

In its unspooling of Yoshiki’s grief, The Summer Hikaru Died deploys emulations of VCR static, digital video recordings, live-action stills, deliberately jarring 3-D animation, and other forms of screen art. —Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025

The test matched performance in environments where noise was coming at random intervals from three directions—kind of an emulation of the Cocktail Party Problem. —Steven Levy, Wired News, 3 Dec. 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