Definition of "simulator"

Even confessing to a crime, the man may be mad, or a knavish simulator.

1858, Thomas De Quincey, “Schlosser's Literary History of the Eighteenth Century”, in De Quincey's works, page 82

The dummy rocket is being developed to permit the ground testing of missile controls. By the use of this “flight simulator” the control devices of missiles can be subjected to operational tests on the ground, thus reducing the need for expensive flight tests.

1947 February 21, “Instruments Are Released From Rocket By Parachute in a Jump of 68 Miles”, in The New York Times‎

Classroom sessions for drivers are under way, with each driver requiring a full day on the simulator before they then test a tram on the £350 million new line.

2020 March 11, “Network News: Driver training on Trafford Park line”, in Rail, page 15

While writing for Mastertronic, David had seen that sales figures were much better for 'simulators' compared to less realistic games […]

2007, David Lester, How They Started