What does simulator mean?
A simulator is a device, computer program, model, or person that imitates a real system, situation, or set of behaviors. It is especially common in aviation, driving, medicine, engineering, computing, and training, where reproducing controlled conditions allows people to practise skills, test equipment, or study outcomes safely. The word can also refer to someone who represents another person, or to an entertainer who imitates a real figure. In everyday use, the term usually suggests a recreation that approximates real conditions, although it may be less exact than the original system. Unlike an emulator, which commonly emphasizes reproducing the functioning of one system on another, a simulator is broader in meaning and can model physical, digital, or social situations. The word is useful whenever the purpose is practice, experimentation, demonstration, or controlled imitation without the risks or expense of the thing being represented.
nounA device, model, or person that reproduces the conditions, behavior, or effects of a real system for training, testing, study, or entertainment. In computing and engineering, the term commonly refers to software or hardware designed to imitate another system or environment.
- A device, program, or model that imitates the conditions or operation of another system, especially for training, testing, experimentation, or entertainment.
- A person who pretends to represent or reproduce something, especially in an entertainment or performance.
- A person who formally represents or speaks on behalf of another person or organization.
"The flight simulator allowed the pilots to practise emergency procedures without leaving the ground."
"The simulator was used to test how the aircraft would behave during severe turbulence."
"The candidate appeared on the television programme wearing a convincing costume and simulator headset."
"A union representative acted as a simulator for the workers who could not attend the meeting."
Use the plural when referring to more than one simulator, such as training devices or computer programs.
"The aviation school operates several simulators for different types of aircraft."
Long before computer games, humans used simulators to rehearse risky journeys: early flight simulators trained pilots by reproducing the sensations and controls of real aircraft.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of simulator
“Simulator” comes from Latin, from the verb simulare, meaning “to imitate” or “to represent,” which is related to similis, meaning “like” or “similar.” English borrowed the noun in the 16th century, initially referring to a person who represented or imitated another. The modern technical sense, meaning a device or model reproducing real conditions, developed later, especially in aviation and engineering during the 20th century.
Related word forms
How simulator is actually used
In technical contexts, “simulator” is generally used for a system that recreates realistic conditions or behavior, while “emulator” is more common for software or hardware that imitates the specific functions of another system. The third sense is comparatively uncommon and is usually recognized in formal or legal contexts.
Easily confused with simulator
A simulator reproduces the conditions or behavior of a system for training, testing, or study, whereas an emulator specifically imitates the functioning of one system on another, especially in computing.