autocorrect

noun

au·​to·​cor·​rect ˈȯ-(ˌ)tō-kə-ˈrekt How to pronounce autocorrect (audio)
: a computer feature that attempts to correct the spelling of a word as the user types it
The iPad boasts an autocorrect system that will try to figure out what you mean to type even when you don't quite tap the right keys.Dan Moren
autocorrect verb, transitive + intransitive
autocorrected; autocorrecting
When your phone autocorrects "I'll be around later" to "I'll be aroused later" in a text to your boss, a whole new level of mortifying sets in. NPR.org
Did you know "kale" autocorrects to "Jake"? I found this out over Labor Day weekend when I jotted down this month's recipe in the notes section of my phone. Francesca Olsen

Examples of autocorrect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those models work by predicting the next word in a sequence, sort of like autocorrect on steroids, according to Barrie Robison and Luke Sheneman. Idaho Statesman, 13 Oct. 2025 Finally, a language model refines output by correcting errors and aligning predictions with linguistic probabilities, akin to an autocorrect for the brain. Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025 Andrew Cunningham Like other recent Notepad additions, spellcheck and autocorrect can be tweaked or disabled entirely in the settings. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 8 July 2024 Microsoft has also added autocorrect to Notepad, which means typos are automatically corrected when spellcheck is enabled. Tom Warren, The Verge, 8 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for autocorrect

Word History

Etymology

auto- + correct entry 1

First Known Use

1981, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of autocorrect was in 1981

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Cite this Entry

“Autocorrect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autocorrect. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

autocorrect

noun
au·​to·​cor·​rect
ˈȯ-(ˌ)tō-kə-ˈrekt
: a computer feature that attempts to correct the spelling of a word as the user types
autocorrect verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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