emulator

noun

em·​u·​la·​tor ˈem-yə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce emulator (audio)
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
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.
The researchers then implemented an emulator of the real transmitter. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2025 Flipping your way through the extremely wide variety of games on offer here is like an eminently enjoyable trip through random titles in an emulator's (legally obtained) classic ROMs folder—just set in an alternate universe. Ars Technica, 22 Dec. 2024 Dhananjay says that their emulator can handle the complex models thrown their way. IEEE Spectrum, 8 Feb. 2018 Much like the original Atari 7800, the 7800+ is also backward-compatible with older Atari 2600 cartridges and controllers (re-created through the able Stella emulator). Ars Technica, 26 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for emulator

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of emulator was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Emulator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emulator. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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