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Synonyms

auto

1 American  
[aw-toh] / ˈɔ toʊ /

noun

plural

autos

  1. automobile.

adjective

  1. of or relating to automobiles.

    an auto salesman; auto detailing.
auto- 2 American  

  1. a combining form meaning “self,” “same,” “spontaneous,” used in the formation of compound words.

    autograph, autodidact.
auto- 3 American  

  1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

    autocade.
auto- 4 American  

  1. a combining form representing automatic in compound words: autoalarm; autofeed; autofocus . Sometimes also taken as an adjective.

    auto enlarger; auto stop control; auto dialer.
auto. 5 American  

abbreviation

  1. automatic.

  2. automobile.

  3. automotive.

auto 1 British  
/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

    1. short for automobile

    2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

  2. informal short for autorickshaw

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
auto- 2 British  

combining form

  1. self; same; of or by the same one

    autobiography

  2. acting from or occurring within; self-caused

    autohypnosis

  3. self-propelling; automatic

    automobile
"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of auto1

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening

Origin of auto-2

< Greek, combining form of autós self

Origin of auto-3

auto

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cox Automotive forecasts a 0.1 percent dip in Toyota's auto sales in the first quarter.

From Barron's

Uncertainty over not just the future of EVs but tariffs and a weakening U.S. auto market has immobilized many suppliers, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Find insight on2026 vehicle sales, Old Dominion Freight Line and more in the latest Market Talks covering the auto and transport sector.

From The Wall Street Journal

The station where Williams stopped is situated along a busy road in the city of Falls Church, nestled between an Anglican church, an auto repair shop and a dentist's office.

From Barron's

Likewise, auto insurance is cyclical, but Copart’s salvage yards are hard to duplicate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.