auto-

¹ American  

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

   autograph, autodidact.

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auto- ² American  

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

   autocade.

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auto- ³ 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.

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auto ⁴ American  

[aw-toh] / ˈɔ toʊ /

noun

plural

autos

1. automobile.

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adjective

1. of or relating to automobiles.

   an auto salesman; auto detailing.

auto. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. automatic.

2. automobile.

3. automotive.

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auto ¹ British  

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for automobile

   2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

2. informal short for autorickshaw

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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

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Etymology

Origin of auto-¹

< Greek, combining form of autós self

Origin of auto-²

auto

Origin of auto⁴

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening

Example Sentences

The union organizers say “over 30%” of Breads workers signed cards in support of representation by the United Auto Workers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Textbook examples are the spectacular failures of subprime auto lender Tricolor and auto supplier First Brands last year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Although the two sides missed a deadline to conclude talks by the end of 2025 -- reportedly over disputes related to steel and auto exports -- Indian negotiators remain optimistic.

From Barron's

Chinese automaker NIO NIO 0.21%increase; green up pointing triangle will enter the Australian and New Zealand markets this year as the company presses its overseas expansion amid intensifying competition in China’s auto market.

From The Wall Street Journal

Competition in the Chinese auto industry is expected to intensify further with 119 new model launches in the pipeline for this year, according to Goldman Sachs analysts in a recent note.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle