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.
Forget emulators; this feels like the proper way to enjoy retro games. David Jagneaux, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025 Enthusiasts have been releasing PS3 emulators since the early 2010s, though this is the first time something like this has appeared for smartphones. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 15 June 2025 With video game emulators–hardware or software that can act like other systems–Otaku has nearly 30,000 games available to play in an arcade style setup from systems as old as Atari and Playstation 2 with classic games such as Galaga, Street Fighter, and Spyro. Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025 The remaining time is spent using an emulator to run x86 Windows apps. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 19 May 2025 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 24 Jul. 2025.

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