simulation

noun

sim·​u·​la·​tion ˌsim-yə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce simulation (audio)
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.
Watch On For each mission simulation, one astronaut pilots the aircraft while another charts the landing area, marking key landmarks, identifying potential hazards and helping to track the flight path. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025 The priority is to remind employees that AI is a simulation and not a substitute for human thinking or connection. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025 These invisible motions, called secondary flows, have long been suspected in computer simulations, but never directly observed in real materials. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 31 Aug. 2025 In one classroom, several large screens are mounted on the walls and offer virtual simulation of surgeries. Beth Warren, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Simulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simulation. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

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.

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