emulator

noun

em·​u·​la·​tor ˈem-yə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce emulator (audio)
Synonyms of emulatornext
1
: one that emulates
2
: hardware or software that permits programs written for one computer to be run on another computer

Examples of emulator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some sites also have extras like a dedicated lounge, retro video game emulators, and conference rooms. — Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026 This emulator can also account for how predictions will shift if parameters are merely tweaked by tiny amounts. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 16 Sep. 2025 The only more surprising emulator news would be if NESticle somehow rose from the dead. — Andrew Cunningham, ArsTechnica, 27 Apr. 2026 But now, thanks to AI voice emulators all over the internet, almost anyone online can commit audio fraud in minutes (and no, that sentence is clearly not encouragement to do so). — New Atlas, 15 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for emulator

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin aemulātor, from aemulārī "to vie with, rival, imitate" + -tor, agent suffix — more at emulate entry 1

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of emulator was in 1589

Rhymes for emulator

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Browse Nearby Words

emulative
emulator
emulatory
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Cite this Entry

“Emulator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emulator. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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