simulator

[sim-yuh-ley-ter]

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.

simulator

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulator¹

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

Example Sentences

Next to the barber's room is a slightly bigger area that houses a Formula 1 simulator.

From BBC

The club will also feature five golf simulators, two soccer pitches, a high-end retail shop, two full bars, a restaurant and a recovery zone outfitted with a sauna and cold plunge area.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, she is demonstrating the 'Digital Twin', a high performance simulator which allows pilots to learn the controls in the safety and comfort of a building.

From BBC

Technology has taken over with simulators and treadmills and sensors hunting for spare fractions of a second to eliminate.

From Los Angeles Times

Another video with 21.1 million views on TikTok claimed to show an Israeli F-35 being shot down by air defences, but the footage actually came from a flight simulator video game.

From BBC

When To Use

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.