# Sim

/ˈsɪm/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sim
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a simulation or simulator

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a computer program or machine that copies real-life situations, like flying a plane or racing a car.

For teachers: a clipping of 'simulation' or 'simulator', referring to a virtual environment or hardware used for training or entertainment.

- The pilot spent four hours in the flight sim to practice landing in a storm.
- Advanced racing sims require high-end hardware to accurately replicate the physics of tire grip and aerodynamic downforce.

### 3. a game character

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

a virtual person in the popular video game series 'The Sims'.

For teachers: a character within the life-simulation video game franchise 'The Sims', often used to describe the AI-driven inhabitants of that virtual world.

- My sim finally got a promotion at her virtual job today.
- The player spent hours customizing the appearance and personality traits of their sim before starting the new game session.

## Examples

- I spent all weekend playing a flight sim.
- The pilot practiced emergency landings in a high-tech flight sim before flying the actual aircraft.
- While the graphics in the racing sim are impressive, the physics engine fails to accurately replicate the sensation of tire traction on a wet track.

---

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.