automatic

play

adjective au·to·mat·ic \ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik\

Definition of automatic

1a : largely or wholly involuntary; especially : reflex 5 automatic blinking of the eyelidsb : acting or done spontaneously or unconsciously the automatic applause of the audiencec : done or produced as if by machine : mechanical the answers were automatic
2 : having a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism an automatic transmission
3 of a firearm : firing repeatedly until the trigger is released

automatically

play \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

automaticity

play \-mə-ˈti-sə-tē, -ma-\ noun

See automatic defined for English-language learners

See automatic defined for kids

Examples of automatic in a Sentence

Without thinking, he gave an automatic reply.
She always has an automatic smile for everyone.

Origin and Etymology of automatic

Greek automatos self-acting, from aut- + -matos (akin to Latin ment-, mens mind) — more at mind

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First Known Use: 1686

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of automatic

spontaneous, impulsive, instinctive, automatic, mechanical mean acting or activated without deliberation. spontaneous implies lack of prompting and connotes naturalness. a spontaneous burst of applause impulsive implies acting under stress of emotion or spirit of the moment. impulsive acts of violence instinctive stresses action involving neither judgment nor will. blinking is an instinctive reaction automatic implies action engaging neither the mind nor the emotions and connotes a predictable response. his denial was automatic mechanical stresses the lifeless, often perfunctory character of the response. a mechanical teaching method

Other Weapons and Explosives Terms

carbine, cudgel, muzzle, rapier

automatic

noun au·to·mat·ic

Definition of automatic

1 : a machine or apparatus that operates automatically; especially : an automatic firearm
2a : an automatic transmission a car with a three-speed automaticb : an automobile with an automatic transmission Is your car an automatic or a manual?
3 American football : audible

See automatic defined for English-language learners

Examples of automatic in a Sentence

Will your next car be a manual or an automatic?

Origin and Etymology of automatic

see ¹automatic

NEW!

First Known Use: 1870

See Words from the same year

AUTOMATIC Defined for English Language Learners

automatic

play

adjective

Definition of automatic for English Language Learners

of a machine or device : having controls that allow something to work or happen without being directly controlled by a person
of a gun : shooting many bullets very quickly when the trigger is pulled
: happening or done without deliberate thought or effort

automatic

noun

Definition of automatic for English Language Learners

: a gun that shoots many bullets very quickly : an automatic weapon
: a vehicle that changes gears by itself at different speeds : a car with automatic transmission

AUTOMATIC Defined for Kids

automatic

play

adjective au·to·mat·ic \ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik\

Definition of automatic for Students

1 : involuntary automatic blinking of eyelids
2 : being a machine or device that allows something to work without being directly controlled by a person an automatic washer

automatically

\-ti-kə-lē\ adverb

Law Dictionary

automatic

adjective au·to·mat·ic

Legal Definition of automatic

: happening or existing through the operation of a preexisting arrangement that is triggered by some event; specifically : happening or existing through the operation of law automatic reversal an automatic appeal