emulator

noun

em·​u·​la·​tor ˈem-yə-ˌlā-tər 

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

But those boxes ran Linux; this one runs full Windows 11, with Microsoft’s Prism emulator making old Windows apps and games work on the Arm chip. — Sean Hollister, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026

Now, though, rapid advancements in PS5 emulators and other tools are making recent PlayStation titles increasingly playable on generic PCs. — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026

The developer of the Zluda project, a CUDA emulator, has released a new version that gives AMD GPUs a big boost in PhysX performance. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026

Some sites also have extras like a dedicated lounge, retro video game emulators, and conference rooms. — Anthony Karcz, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026

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

Rhymes for emulator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator