# emulator

/ˈɛmjəˌɫeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈɛmjʊlˌeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emulator
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a piece of software that allows you to run programs or games designed for a different computer or console on your own device.

For teachers: a software program that imitates the hardware and system software of another computer system to run applications or operating systems designed for that platform.

## Examples

- I use an emulator to play old games on my modern computer.
- The developer used a high-fidelity emulator to test the mobile app on various Android versions before the official release.
- By running a virtual emulator, researchers were able to execute the original code of a 1970s mainframe without the need for the physical hardware, preserving the software for historical study.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.