# hypervisor

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hypervisor
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a piece of software that lets one computer run several different operating systems at the same time. It manages the computer's hardware so that each system can use what it needs without crashing the others.

For teachers: a layer of software, firmware, or hardware that creates and runs virtual machines. It isolates the host's operating system and resources from the virtual machines, enabling the simultaneous execution of multiple guest environments.

## Examples

- The company uses a hypervisor to run multiple servers on one physical machine.
- By installing a hypervisor, the IT department was able to consolidate their hardware and reduce energy costs significantly.
- A Type 1 hypervisor runs directly on the host's hardware to control the resources and manage guest operating systems, offering better performance than software-based alternatives.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in cloud computing and server virtualization contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.