simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
Synonyms of simulationnext
1
: the act or process of simulating
2
: a sham object : counterfeit
3
a
: the imitative representation of the functioning of one system or process by means of the functioning of another
a computer simulation of an industrial process
b
: examination of a problem often not subject to direct experimentation by means of a simulating device

Examples of simulation in a Sentence

a computer simulation of spaceflight a simulation of the planet's surface They use computer simulation to predict weather conditions.
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.
But recent computer simulations suggest that black holes might have something of a back door. — Quanta Magazine, 2 July 2026 Placido also ran a 24-hour simulation of how 360 Leo satellites would perform. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 2 July 2026 The cleats, now scrupulously modeled in 3D simulations, originated as sharp metal nails, the kind sold at a local hardware store. — Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 Along with real-world tests to train robot systems, companies also use digital simulations, where renderings of the robots practice tasks in the digital world. — Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for simulation

Word History

Etymology

Middle English simulacioun "insincerity, pretense, deceit," borrowed from Anglo-French simulacion, borrowed from Latin simulātiōn-, simulātiō "act of copying, putting on an appearance, pretense," from simulāre, similāre "to pretend, assume the appearance of by one's conduct, produce a fraudulent imitation of, imitate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at simulate

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of simulation was in the 14th century

Rhymes for simulation

See All Rhymes for simulation

Browse Nearby Words

simulated rank
simulation
simulator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

simulation

noun
sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
1
: the act or process of simulating
2
: an object that is not genuine
3
: the imitation by one system or process of the way in which another system or process works
a computer simulation of spaceflight

Legal Definition

simulation

noun
sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
1
in the civil law of Louisiana
2
: the act of simulating
3
: a contract that by mutual agreement does not express the true intent of the parties see also counterletter compare disguised donation at donation

Note: Although a simulation does not have effect as between the parties, its lack of effect may not be asserted against third parties, such as creditors or bona fide purchasers, to avoid liability.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
hangman letters and game
Hangman Lightning Round Figure out which word fits in the blanks.
See All