AutoCorrect

American  

[aw-toh-kuh-rekt] / ˌɔ toʊ kəˈrɛkt /

Or autocorrect,

noun

1. 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.

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verb (used with or without object)

1. to correct by use of this built-in dictionary.

   I typed ‘foluw’, and it autocorrected to ‘follow’.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• autocorrection
  noun

Etymology

Origin of AutoCorrect

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

Example Sentences

I really cannot imagine using AutoCorrect given its unreliability in its present incarnation.

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2015

I really cannot imagine using AutoCorrect given its unreliability in its present incarnation.

From New York Times • Jan. 9, 2015

The Capital Times’ report added, “Perhaps it was a case of AutoCorrect or that pesky Microsoft Word paperclip causing shenanigans.”

From MSNBC • Dec. 10, 2014

AutoCorrect is the first phase in the war between the machines and mankind.

From Time • Oct. 31, 2011

Jobs was criticized for his trademark uniform of “black turtleneck, dad jeans and Seinfeld kicks,” which the magazine said was a “style blunder no AutoCorrect can fix.”

From Forbes • Aug. 6, 2011