emulation

noun

em·​u·​la·​tion ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce emulation (audio)
-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 How to pronounce emulation (audio)
adjective
emulatively adverb

Examples of emulation 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.
As a result, her outfits never sent shoppers running to the high street in emulation, as the future Queen Catherine’s off-the-peg choices often do. — Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026 Kerr’s system of sustained excellence has captured the notice, admiration, and even attempts at emulation in business and politics. — John T. Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 There are plenty of towering emulations of classic synths in Arturia’s library of plugins, but Memory V might be capable of the most oppressive tones of the lot. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 26 May 2026 Such a seemingly benign move puts Ethiopia in opposition to China’s monopoly and is a rebuke of the former object of Ethiopian emulation. — Wesley Alexander Hill, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for emulation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of emulation was in 1542

Rhymes for emulation

See All Rhymes for emulation

Browse Nearby Words

emulate
emulation
emulative
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Cite this Entry

“Emulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emulation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emulation

noun
em·​u·​la·​tion ˌem-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce emulation (audio)
: the ambition or effort to emulate
emulative
ˈem-yə-ˌlāt-iv How to pronounce emulation (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on emulation

Nglish: Translation of emulation for Spanish Speakers

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