automatic

[ aw-tuh-mat-ik ]

/ ˌɔ təˈmæt ɪk /

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See synonyms for: automatic / automatically on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having the capability of starting, operating, moving, etc., independently: an automatic sprinkler system; an automatic car wash.

Physiology. occurring independently of volition, as certain muscular actions; involuntary.

done unconsciously or from force of habit; mechanical: an automatic application of the brakes.

occurring spontaneously: automatic enthusiasm.

(of a firearm, pistol, etc.) utilizing the recoil or part of the force of the explosive to eject the spent cartridge shell, introduce a new cartridge, cock the arm, and fire it repeatedly.

noun

a machine that operates automatically.

automatic rifle.

automatic pistol.

Football. audible (def. 2).

automatic pilot.

automatic transmission.

an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.

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Idioms about automatic

on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.

Origin of automatic

First recorded in 1740–50; from Greek autómat(os) “self-moving” (see automaton) + -ic

synonym study for automatic

2. Automatic, involuntary, spontaneous all mean not under the control of the will. That which is automatic, however, is an invariable reaction to a fixed type of stimulus: The patella reflex is automatic. That which is involuntary is an unexpected response that varies according to the occasion, circumstances, mood, etc.: an involuntary cry of pain. That which is spontaneous arises from immediate stimuli and usually involves an expression of strong feeling: a spontaneous roar of laughter.

OTHER WORDS FROM automatic

au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverbau·to·ma·tic·i·ty

[aw-tuh-muh-tis-i-tee], /ˌɔ tə məˈtɪs ɪ ti/, nounnon·au·to·mat·ic, adjectivenon·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

qua·si-au·to·mat·ic, adjectivequa·si-au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverbsub·au·to·mat·ic, adjectivesub·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverbun·au·to·mat·ic, adjectiveun·au·to·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words nearby automatic

automata, automata theory, automate, automated clearing house, automated-teller machine, automatic, automatically, automatic camera, automatic door, automatic exposure, automatic focus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use automatic in a sentence

A Google representative told HKFP that the blurring was due to an algorithm error in its automatic blurring technology typically used to obscure faces and vehicle license plates, but did not provide further details.
Google Maps blurred “fight for freedom” and “democracy” graffiti in Hong Kong|Mary Hui|September 8, 2020|Quartz
The youngest beginners on 50cc dirt bikes will have automatic transmissions—twist-and-go options.
Your kid wants a dirt bike. Here’s what to buy them.|By Serena Bleeker/Dirt Rider|September 4, 2020|Popular-Science
In addition, “If you pay through manual payments or make a prepayment on your automatic payments account, these fees may be charged after your payment has been fully spent.”
Advertisers to absorb Google’s digital services taxes in UK, Austria, Turkey|Ginny Marvin|September 1, 2020|Search Engine Land
Google Duo is taking it slow by testing automatic subtitles on Android and iOS, but only for previously recorded video and audio messages.
Learn how to add closed captions to video calls, Netflix, and more|David Nield|August 28, 2020|Popular-Science

Google Duo, for example, is the latest app to test automatic closed captions, putting text on recorded video calls via the same artificial intelligence that powers the Google Assistant and the voice typing feature on Google Docs.
Learn how to add closed captions to video calls, Netflix, and more|David Nield|August 28, 2020|Popular-Science
Hovering above the scene, commandos in helicopters were poised with automatic rifles.
France Kills Charlie Hebdo Murderers|Nico Hines|January 9, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Brinsley stepped up to the passenger side of the patrol car, raised a silver Taurus semi-automatic pistol and began firing.
'Please Don't Die!': The Frantic Battle to Save Murdered Cops|Michael Daly|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The low crunch of packed dirt against rubber tire was overwhelmed by the ragged explosions of automatic gunfire.
A Belgian Prince, Gorillas, Guerrillas & the Future of the Congo|Nina Strochlic|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead we heard the crackle of automatic gunfire and we could see gray smoke rising from the eastern side of the town.
In the Battle for Kobani, ISIS Falls Back. But for How Long?|Jamie Dettmer|October 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He now stands in the self-proclaimed caliphate, also holding a child as well as an automatic weapon.
ISIS Has a Bigger Coalition Than We Do|Michael Daly|October 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In the same way the technical form and mechanism of production were presumed to respond to an automatic stimulus.
The Unsolved Riddle of Social Justice|Stephen Leacock
This automatic suitable bass device does not interfere with the normal use of the stop-keys of the pedal department by hand.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building|George Laing Miller
It was not purposely contrived, it was in automatic obedience to deeper impulses than she knew.
The Wave|Algernon Blackwood
He launched into a long explanation of some scheme he had in mind for securing automatic balancing.
Uncanny Tales|Various
No sooner had his feet hit the floor, however, than he felt the cold, stern prod of the barrel of an automatic.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various

British Dictionary definitions for automatic

automatic

/ (ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk) /

adjective

performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanicalan automatic smile

(of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself
(of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment

(of the action of a muscle, gland, etc) involuntary or reflex

occurring as a necessary consequencepromotion is automatic after a year

(of a firearm)

utilizing some of the force of or gas from each explosion to eject the empty shell case, replace it with a new one, and fire continuously until release of the triggerCompare semiautomatic (def. 2)
short for semiautomatic (def. 2) See also machine (def. 5)

noun

an automatic firearm

a motor vehicle having automatic transmission

a machine that operates automatically

Derived forms of automatic

automatically, adverbautomaticity (ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for automatic

C18: from Greek automatos acting independently

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

automatic

Idioms about automatic

Origin of automatic

synonym study for automatic

OTHER WORDS FROM automatic

Words nearby automatic

Words related to automatic

How to use automatic in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for automatic

Derived forms of automatic

Word Origin for automatic