Standard Lemma guide

virtualize

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • /ˈvɜː(ɹ)tjuəlaɪz/
  • /ˈvɜː(ɹ)t͡ʃuəlaɪz/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To run a program in virtual storage.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To simulate (or make virtual) some effect or condition on a computer.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To make or conform to a virtual reality.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: art, arts

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Etymology tree English virtual Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō)bor. Late Latin -izōder. Middle French -iserbor. Middle English -isen English -ize English virtualize From virtual + -ize.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: virtualiseren — run a program in virtual storage
  • Finnish: virtualisoida — run a program in virtual storage
  • German: virtualisieren — run a program in virtual storage
  • Turkish: sanallaştırmak — run a program in virtual storage
Real reading context

virtualize in complete knowledge articles