virtualize

American  

[vur-choo-uh-lahyz] / ˈvɜr tʃu əˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object)

virtualized, virtualizing

1. Computers. to create a simulated or extended version of (a computer, operating system, data storage device, etc.) using software: the resulting device is not itself independent, but functions and presents itself to the user as a single, physical entity.

   A virtualized server can boost processing power and reduce costs.

2. Digital Technology. to store, access, or carry out online or by means of a computer; computerize or digitize.

   Now that they’ve virtualized the filing of tax returns, the IRS is more efficient.

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virtualize British  

/ ˈvɜːtʃʊəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to transform (something) into an artificial computer-generated version of itself which functions as if it were real

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Other Word Forms

• virtualization noun

Etymology

Origin of virtualize

First recorded in 1830–40; virtual + -ize

Example Sentences

Nebius is the only AI-compute provider with a “truly global GPU fabric,” Liani highlighted, adding that other neoclouds can only virtualize within a single physical facility.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 24, 2026

And it’s much, much more efficient to aggregate all of those servers into one place, to virtualize them, slice them, dice them.

From The Verge • Oct. 29, 2019

"You're able to virtualize people and resources," says Marthin De Beer, the Cisco executive who led the development of the company's telepresence offerings, in an interview conducted between two telepresence suites.

From BusinessWeek • Feb. 17, 2011

PG&E gives customers a rebate of $150 to $300 for every server they virtualize.

From BusinessWeek • May 14, 2007