autistic

1 of 2

adjective

au·​tis·​tic ȯ-ˈti-stik How to pronounce autistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by autism or autism spectrum disorder
autistic behavior
autistic children
autistically adverb

autistic

2 of 2

noun

plural autistics
: a person with autism or autism spectrum disorder

Examples of autistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
Her brother, who lives in the Netherlands, is intellectually disabled, deaf and autistic. Jim Higgins, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Ellis, a young autistic adult about the same age as Rosie, joined the crew in the spring. Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 1 Sep. 2025
Noun
Phothong is non-verbal autistic and considered at risk, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025 Diagnosed autistic at age 3, DesRoches has defied expectations to build a fast-rising acting career. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for autistic

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

aut(ism) + -istic, after German autistisch

Note: See note at autism.

Noun

derivative of autistic entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autistic was in 1942

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Autistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autistic. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Medical Definition

autistic

1 of 2 adjective
au·​tis·​tic ȯ-ˈtis-tik How to pronounce autistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or marked by autism or autism spectrum disorder
the autistic community
autistic children

autistic

2 of 2 noun
: a person with autism or autism spectrum disorder

More from Merriam-Webster on autistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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