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• auto
  auto

  noun

  automobile.
• auto-
  auto-

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

  abbreviation

  automatic.

auto

¹ American  

[aw-toh] / ˈɔ toʊ /

noun

autos plural

1. automobile.

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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.

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auto- ³ American  

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

   autocade.

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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.

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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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• autos
  plural

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

see origin at auto

Explanation

An auto is a car. If you drive your auto too fast, you might get a speeding ticket. The word auto is an informal, shortened form of automobile. You're most likely to hear the word auto when someone's talking about insurance, auto parts, or the auto industry. Automobile was originally a French word, formed from the Greek autos, or "self," and the French mobile, "moving."

Example Sentences

But Chinese carmakers like BYD and Xpeng have eaten into German carmakers' sales in the world's largest auto market, leading to painful adjustments at home.

From Barron's • Jul. 12, 2026

In any case, get used to it: China-made vehicles, transplant brands, patented technology and aesthetics are likely to reshape the U.S. auto market in the next decade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 11, 2026

Find insight on TFI International, Rheinmetall and more in the latest Market Talks covering auto and transport.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 10, 2026

"For now, people are sharpening their swords and firming up their positions," auto analyst Stefan Bratzel of the Centre of Automotive Management told AFP.

From Barron's • Jul. 10, 2026

That door was three inches of solid oak with an auto lock; you'd need a chain saw to get through it.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle