auto-

¹ American  

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

   autograph, autodidact.

---

auto- ² American  

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

   autocade.

---

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.

---

auto ⁴ American  

[aw-toh] / ˈɔ toʊ /

noun

plural

autos

1. automobile.

---

adjective

1. of or relating to automobiles.

   an auto salesman; auto detailing.

auto. ⁵ American  

abbreviation

1. automatic.

2. automobile.

3. automotive.

---

auto ¹ British  

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for automobile

   2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

2. informal short for autorickshaw

---

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

---

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

In the 20th century, KCK became the manufacturing hub of greater Kansas City, attracting meatpackers, steel plants and auto plants.

From The Wall Street Journal

Auto auctions have a faster pace, so the auctioneers have a higher pitch and a chant that drones along more efficiently.

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the International Energy Agency, EV purchases will reach 20 million in 2025, or one-quarter of world auto sales, and are on track to hit 40% by 2030, with China already accounting for 70% of global EV production.

From Salon

"Tesla doesn't always seem to have full grasp of what the consequences of its technology changes would be and I think this is kind of a very big example of that," says Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety.

From BBC

"We have serious concerns about a driver who has any responsibilities behind the wheel engaging in texting," says Cathy Chase, president of the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

From BBC

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle