AutoCorrect

or au·to·cor·rect, Au·to·cor·rect

[ aw-toh-kuh-rekt ]

/ ˌɔ toʊ kəˈrɛkt /

Computers.

Save This Word!

noun

a software feature that automatically replaces a word in a word-processed document, text message, spreadsheet, or search box, or suggests an alternative word, if the word does not appear in a built-in dictionary.

verb (used with or without object)

to correct by use of this built-in dictionary: I typed ‘foluw’, and it autocorrected to ‘follow’.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of AutoCorrect

First recorded in 1985–90; auto(matic) + correct

OTHER WORDS FROM AutoCorrect

au·to·cor·rec·tion, noun

Words nearby AutoCorrect

autocide, autoclave, autocollimation, autocollimator, autocomplete, AutoCorrect, autocorrelation, auto court, autocracy, autocrat, autocratic

How to use AutoCorrect in a sentence

Note that the software in question is slightly different from autocorrect.
The Apple ‘Kill List’: What Your iPhone Doesn’t Want You to Type|Michael Keller|July 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST
With autocorrect, a user types a word, and halfway through the software will guess at what it thinks the person means.
The Apple ‘Kill List’: What Your iPhone Doesn’t Want You to Type|Michael Keller|July 16, 2013|DAILY BEAST