A virtual machine (VM) in the context of cloud computing is a software-based emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications. VMs allow multiple operating systems to run on a single physical machine, enabling resource efficiency and flexibility. In cloud environments, virtualization facilitates scalable, on-demand computing resources and enhances operational management. This makes it easier for businesses to manage applications, deploy services, and allocate resources dynamically as needs evolve, thereby increasing overall efficiency and reducing costs.