auto-

¹

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

   autograph, autodidact.

auto-

²

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

   autocade.

auto-

³

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

[aw-toh]

noun

plural

autos 

1. automobile.

adjective

1. of or relating to automobiles.

   an auto salesman; auto detailing.

auto.

⁵

abbreviation

1. automatic.

2. automobile.

3. automotive.

auto

¹

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for automobile

   2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

2. informal,  short for autorickshaw

auto-

²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of auto¹

< Greek, combining form of autós self

Origin of auto²

auto

Origin of auto³

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of auto¹

from Greek autos self

Example Sentences

Massey, who works in auto sales, moved into a newly built 2,400-square-foot home in Antioch, Ill., in December 2022.

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Tesla helped with today’s surge, clawing back all of its post-earnings losses from yesterday after the auto maker reported weaker-than-expected earnings on Wednesday evening.

Read more on Barron's

Tesla helped with today’s surge, clawing back all of its post-earnings losses from yesterday after the auto maker reported weaker-than-expected earnings on Wednesday evening.

Read more on Barron's

Tesla helped with today’s surge, clawing back all of its post-earnings losses from yesterday after the auto maker reported weaker-than-expected earnings on Wednesday evening.

Read more on Barron's

Worries about the credit market emerged in recent weeks following the abrupt bankruptcies of auto-parts manufacturer First Brands and the subprime auto lender Tricolor, which are both being investigated for potential fraud.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• car 
• passenger car www.thesaurus.com
• vehicle