simulator

simulator — noun

1. a machine or system that creates an artificial version of a real situation, allo

1.nounB1
Definition

a machine or system that creates an artificial version of a real situation, allowing people to practise skills or test designs safely without being in the actual environment.

Example

The flight school uses a simulator to train pilots before flying a real plane.

collocation: flight simulator — common compound noun

Antonia practised emergency landings on the simulator until she felt confident.

practise + on a simulator

Common collocations
  • flight simulator
  • driving simulator
  • surgery simulator
  • medical simulator
  • computer simulator
  • training simulator
  • use a simulator
  • practise on a simulator
  • spend time in a simulator
Synonyms
  • trainer

    usually refers to a simpler device for basic instruction rather than full realistic reproduction

  • mock-up

    a full-sized physical model used for layout and appearance, often without working functions

  • emulator

    a computer system that exactly mimics another system's behaviour, especially in software development

Usage Note

Frequently used in compound nouns that name the type of simulation, such as flight simulator, driving simulator, or surgery simulator. The word is also common in computing, where a program mimics the behaviour of another system or device.

Common Mistakes

The pilot trained in a simulation.
The pilot trained in a simulator.
'Simulation' is the process or result; 'simulator' is the machine or device that creates the simulation.
I bought a flight simulator game for my computer.
I bought a flight simulator for my computer.
A simulator is a tool, not a game, even when used for entertainment.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While a simulator creates realistic, functional conditions for training or testing, a trainer is typically a simpler device focused on basic instruction — for example, a flight trainer teaches cockpit procedures without full visual or motion simulation. A mock-up is a full-sized physical model used for layout and design practice, such as a car dashboard mock-up in automotive design; it may not function at all. An emulator is a computer system that exactly mimics another system's behaviour, often used in software testing. Choose simulator when realistic, functional reproduction of real-world conditions is the key feature; use trainer for step-by-step skill building; emulator for exact behavioural copying in computing; and mock-up for physical appearance without full function.

trainer ↗mock-upemulator

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • use a simulator
  • practise on a simulator
  • work on a simulator
  • train on a simulator

Prepositions

  • on a simulator
  • in a simulator
  • with a simulator

Etymology

LatinEnglish

From Latin 'simulator' meaning 'one who imitates or copies', derived from the verb 'simulare' (to copy, imitate, pretend), which comes from 'similis' meaning 'like, similar'. The modern English meaning of an artificial training or testing device developed in the 1940s with early flight simulators used to train military pilots.