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

The National Transportation Safety Board has been recommending such Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast systems to be installed since 2008.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

Automatic kill switch keeps you protected if the connection drops, and there’s even SOCKS5 proxy support.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

Another common trick among these tankers is disabling the Automatic Identification System, which transmits data including the vessel's name, flag, position, speed or route.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2025

Maritime tracking data show around a dozen off the Venezuelan coast, but the official said others have their Automatic Identification System turned off to avoid detection.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

“You could have Cadillacs with leather interiors! Air conditioning! Automatic windows! You wouldn’t have to move your arms in the heat!”

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

Related Words

• automated
• electric
• electronic
• mechanical