autosave

[ aw-toh-seyv ]

noun

1. 1. a feature of a software program that automatically saves an open document or file:

      I like to live dangerously and turn off the autosave feature in my word processor.

   2. an instance of this function:

      an autosave every three minutes.

verb (used with object)

, au·to·saved, au·to·sav·ing.

1. to save (a document or file) using this feature.

verb (used without object)

, au·to·saved, au·to·sav·ing.

1. to be automatically saved:

   Most video games autosave after each new level.

Word History and Origins

Origin of autosave¹

First recorded in 1980–85; auto- ³ + save ¹

Example Sentences

No matter what happens, at least some characters will make it to the climax, ensuring a complete story, and a proactive autosave encourages players to fail forward, embrace consequences, and replay the whole game to see alternate paths.

From Popular-Science