automatic transmission

American  

noun

1. an automotive transmission requiring either very little or no manual shifting of gears.

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automatic transmission British  

noun

1. a transmission system in a motor vehicle, usually incorporating a fluid clutch, in which the gears change automatically

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Etymology

Origin of automatic transmission

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

But its automatic transmission and small engine still left me feeling bored.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

If the test is taken in an automatic car, the driver would get a Category B Auto licence, restricting them to driving to vehicles with automatic transmission only.

From BBC • Sep. 16, 2025

In the U.S., car crash rates and pedestrian fatalities have recently erupted; potential culprits include “car bloat,” smartphones, COVID-related anomie, and the automatic transmission, which frees up motorists’ hands to, say, use TikTok.

From Slate • May 25, 2024

There are two powertrain choices, the standard 2-liter, 147 horsepower four cylinder with a continuously variable transmission, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 190 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 27, 2024

It did not have Powerglide automatic transmission; Old Chao had had to settle for manual.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen