virtual machine

noun

, Computers.

1. Also called system virtual machine. a self-contained operating environment that behaves as if it is a separate computer, with no access to the host operating system:

   When an application runs in a virtual machine, there is little chance that it will damage files or applications in the host system.

2. Also called process virtual machine,. a platform-independent execution environment that itself runs as a normal application inside a host operating system and enables a program written for the virtual machine to execute the same way on any platform:

   JVM, written in the Java programming language, is the most common process virtual machine.

Word History and Origins

Origin of virtual machine¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

A: Yes, you can run Ubuntu Linux on MacBooks, though it will require installing virtual machine software.

From Seattle Times

“New Windows devices containing the Intel 12th generation chipset are triggering Examplify’s automatic virtual machine check,” Examplify’s notice reads.

From The Verge

If you’ve used a virtual machine at work over the past decade, the chances are it was powered by VMware or its competitor Citrix.

From The Verge

Microsoft Dev Box is built on top of the foundations of Windows 365, so it’s easy to spin up a new virtual machine and get working.

From The Verge

At the same time, Microsoft is launching Azure Game Development Virtual Machine to allow developers to build games on powerful PCs in the cloud.

From The Verge