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

The report, obtained by The New York Times on Friday, drew the conclusion based on computer simulations of the Boeing 737-800’s belly landing at the airport in Muan, in the country’s southwest. —Arkansas Online, 11 Jan. 2026

Next, the team hopes to combine these observations with higher-resolution data and simulations to follow the gas even closer to the galactic core. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026

The research depended on computer simulations, which meant that tiny adjustments to the initial state of the digital fluid (or any digital rounding errors) wouldn’t affect the fluid’s fate. —Quanta Magazine, 9 Jan. 2026

That error has been fixed both in past and future simulations. —Dom Luszczyszyn, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

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.