virtualization

noun

vir·​tu·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌvər-chə-wə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce virtualization (audio)
ˌvər-chə-lə-
ˌvərch-wə-lə-
computing
: the process of creating a virtual version of something (such as an operating system or server) that mimics physical hardware functionality
Virtualization … allows a computer to share its hardware resources with multiple digitally separated environments.Amazon Web Services
virtualize
ˈvər-chə-wə-ˌlīz How to pronounce virtualization (audio)
ˈvər-chə-ˌlīz
ˈvərch-wə-ˌlīz
transitive verb
virtualized; virtualizing; virtualizes

Examples of virtualization in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the industry shifting, the role of virtualization needs to change. Brian Gruttadauria, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Fischer says work on its next-gen NASA lunar rover is proving the vast bandwidth of virtualization and simulation tools. IEEE Spectrum, 17 June 2026 Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) new virtualization software promotion will likely pique the interest of end users and resellers who are unhappy with Broadcom’s pricing of VMware. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 16 June 2026 The company launched new AI inference and virtualization services on its cloud platform with Red Hat to help enterprises scale artificial intelligence and modernize IT systems. Jeff Kilburg, CNBC, 22 May 2026 BitLocker device encryption, Hyper-V virtualization, Windows Sandbox, biometric login support, and Smart App Control all help improve security and flexibility, especially for people using their PCs for work, freelancing, development, or business tasks. Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtualization was in 1973

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Virtualization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtualization. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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