simulator

American  

[sim-yuh-ley-ter] / ˈsɪm yəˌleɪ tər /

noun

1. a person or thing that simulates.

2. a machine for simulating certain environmental and other conditions for purposes of training or experimentation.

   a flight simulator.

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simulator British  

/ ˈsɪmjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. any device or system that simulates specific conditions or the characteristics of a real process or machine for the purposes of research or operator training

   space simulator

2. a person who simulates

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Usage

What does simulator mean? A simulator is a program or machine that simulates a real-life situation, meaning that it creates a virtual version of it, often for the purpose of instruction or experiment, such as a flight simulator. Simulators are frequently used to train people in complicated and often dangerous tasks, such as performing surgery or flying an airplane. Simulators allow them to learn and gain experience in such tasks without the risks. Rarely, the word is also sometimes used to refer to a person who is simulating (faking) an action. Example: This flight simulator allows pilots to become comfortable with the controls without having to do so during an actual flight.

Etymology

Origin of simulator

First recorded in 1825–35, simulator is from the Latin word simulātor imitator, counterfeiter. See simulate, -tor

Explanation

A machine that creates the realistic sensation that you're operating a vehicle is a simulator. Pilots practice flying planes using simulators long before they take the controls of a jumbo jet. You can think of a simulator as a device that mimics or simulates an experience, usually making it feel so real that you'd swear you were driving a car or flying an airplane. Many simulators are used in training people to operate vehicles or machinery, while others help teach medical students how to perform surgery, inject medication, and insert breathing tubes. In Latin, simulator means "copier or feigner," from the root similis, "resembling."

Example Sentences

Now the 100-acre estate, which has a $75,000 Full Swing golf-and-sports simulator, is listing for $13.995 million.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

He has been saying similar things not just since the start of this season, but since he first tried the 2026 cars in the simulator a couple of years ago.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

We have not seen him play competitive golf outdoors since the Open of July 2024, his only action a nine-shot cameo in this week's TGL indoor simulator finals.

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Earlier this week, fans got a glimpse of him swinging a club when he played in the TGL, the upstart league that combines simulator play with live action golf.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

“Awesome,” said a kid from the Southeast team when the Mars rover simulator whirred awake.

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein