simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

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

This resulted in a model that massively speeds up the simulation of a wide range of geometry parameters in terms of efficiency. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 28 Nov. 2025

The team ran a simulation involving high-altitude jammers over a site in eastern China which established that nearly 1,000 drones would be needed to block the network over an area the size of Taiwan. —Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

Salvador said that kind of simulation work is especially valuable as states stand up overlapping AI task forces and working groups. —Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 26 Nov. 2025

Together, these add up to many billions of measurements, images and computer simulations about everything from the deep ocean to outer space to the human genome. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 25 Nov. 2025

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

Rhymes for simulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən 

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 

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.