virtual machine

American  

noun

Computers.

1. Also called system virtual 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 process virtual machine,.  Also called application virtual 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.

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Etymology

Origin of virtual machine

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Its new N4A virtual machine is the company’s most cost-effective so far, it said.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

That’s because GeForce Now, unlike competing services like Google Stadia, lets anyone who purchases a digital game on Valve’s Steam marketplace reinstall it on a virtual machine and play it using its cloud platform.

From The Verge • Mar. 2, 2020

Blade wants you to treat your virtual machine like your own computer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2018

If you clicked on a corrupt attachment, the malware would affect the virtual machine but not the real machine—that is, not the rest of your computer.

From Slate • May 15, 2017

Its software can be used on cloud storage systems, inside a virtual machine or on dedicated storage hardware, including storage hardware that Qumulo may assemble and sell with its software.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2015