automatic

American  

[aw-tuh-mat-ik] / ˌɔ təˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. having the capability of starting, operating, moving, etc., independently.

   an automatic sprinkler system; an automatic car wash.

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

3. done unconsciously or from force of habit; mechanical.

   an automatic application of the brakes.

4. occurring spontaneously.

   automatic enthusiasm.

5. (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.

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noun

1. a machine that operates automatically.

2. automatic rifle.

3. automatic pistol.

4. Football. audible.

5. automatic pilot.

6. automatic transmission.

7. an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.

idioms

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

automatic British  

/ ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk, ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical

   an automatic smile

2. 1. (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself

   2. (of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment

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

4. occurring as a necessary consequence

   promotion is automatic after a year

5. 1. 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 trigger Compare semiautomatic

   2. short for semiautomatic See also machine

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noun

1. an automatic firearm

2. a motor vehicle having automatic transmission

3. a machine that operates automatically

Related Words

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 Word Forms

• automatically adverb
• automaticity noun
• nonautomatic adjective
• nonautomatically adverb
• quasi-automatic adjective
• quasi-automatically adverb
• subautomatic adjective
• subautomatically adverb
• unautomatic adjective
• unautomatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of automatic

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

Explanation

If someone asks, “How are you?” and you reply, “Fine,” without really thinking about it, that’s an automatic reply. Something that’s automatic is done without thinking, almost as if you’re a well-programmed machine. The word automatic can be used to describe a machine that works on its own, performing its tasks with little or no human intervention, such as an automatic transmission on a car. Or, automatic can describe a person whose actions are like a machine's. If you flash a smile every time someone walks through the door, it’s an automatic smile, a natural reaction you didn't think about or plan in advance.

Example Sentences

I’m setting up automatic monthly transfers into a high-yield savings account equal to the amount I saved on my premiums after taking a higher deductible.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

Getting 3,000 hits would make him almost an automatic choice.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Within the group, the goal of automatic promotion changed to winning the title after they cemented themselves in the top two.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

And while there is no active draft now, perhaps the transition to automatic registration will inspire some young person to bring the legal challenge that this moment begs.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Like if I could only get out to the Ledge, it would happen automatic.

From "The Young Man and the Sea" by Rodman Philbrick

Related Words

• automated
• electric
• electronic
• mechanical