virtual machine
Americannoun
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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.
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Also called process virtual machine, 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.
Etymology
Origin of virtual machine
First recorded in 1960–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He touted a personal virtual machine, for example - essentially a self-contained computer system running inside Meta's cloud, where it says Muse users' data will be stored.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
Meta says later this year it will offer a confidential virtual machine that encrypts data so the company can’t access the chats.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
Its new N4A virtual machine is the company’s most cost-effective so far, it said.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 6, 2025
A: Yes, you can run Ubuntu Linux on MacBooks, though it will require installing virtual machine software.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 17, 2022
Apps effectively run in a virtual machine, contained within their own world but able to sit side by side with other Windows apps.
From The Verge ● Oct. 20, 2021
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
