automaton

noun au·tom·a·ton \ ȯ-ˈtä-mə-tən , -mə-ˌtän \

Definition of automaton

plural automatons or automata play \-mə-tə, -mə-ˌtä\

1 :a mechanism that is relatively self-operating; especially :robot

2 :a machine or control mechanism designed to follow automatically a predetermined sequence of operations or respond to encoded instructions

3 :an individual who acts in a mechanical fashion

He is an unfeeling automaton.

See automaton defined for English-language learners

See automaton defined for kids

Recent Examples of automaton from the Web

Historical records abound with tales of ancient robots, called automatons (or automata).

— daniel wilson, Ars Technica, "How to build an ancient robot overlord," 1 Aug. 2017
The automaton had a paper drum displaying multiple-choice questions.

— The Economist, "EdtechTechnology is transforming what happens when a child goes to school," 22 July 2017
The automatons even shake and stir the drink before pouring into the glass, which is then pushed through a slot at the end of the bar.

— andrew craft, Fox News, "Robot bartenders are whipping up cocktails on the Vegas strip," 7 July 2017
That's partly because some people simply prefer handling certain tasks in person, and automatons can't answer every question or meet every banking need. 5.

— daniel b. kline, USA TODAY, "These 10 jobs have above-average pay growth," 6 July 2017
At the time, the idea of an automaton being used to commit crime was a novelty.

— philip bump, Washington Post, "Welcome to the era of the ‘bot’ as political boogeyman," 12 June 2017
That is not to say that periodization wants to produce teams of automatons.

— rory smith, New York Times, "Cybernetics, Cesarean Sections and Soccer’s Most Magnificent Mind," 26 Apr. 2017
Gorsuch portrayed himself as a kind of judicial automaton, obligated to pay mindless obeisance to the Court’s prior rulings.

— adam davidson, The New Yorker, "Behind Neil Gorsuch’s Non-Answers," 23 Mar. 2017
The most advanced engineering in the world was devoted to these automata in the 18th century.

— National Geographic, "Fun and Games Led to Some of the World's Greatest Inventions," 11 Dec. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'automaton.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

The idea of the automaton has fascinated people for many centuries. A traveler to the emperor's court in Byzantium in A.D. 949 reported that mechanical birds sat in a golden tree singing the songs of their species; that mechanical lions flanked the throne, roaring and switching their great tails; and that, as he stood watching, the emperor's throne suddenly shot upward toward the high ceiling, and when it slowly descended the emperor was wearing new robes. Early automata (notice the common plural form) often relied on water, steam, or falling weights to power them. Today automata, often called robots, are used in manufacturing plants to build not only vehicles but also much smaller electronic equipment.

Origin and Etymology of automaton

Latin, from Greek, neuter of automatos — see ¹automatic

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1639

See Words from the same year

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

AUTOMATON Defined for English Language Learners

automaton

noun

Definition of automaton for English Language Learners

: a machine that can move by itself
: a person who acts in a mechanical or machinelike way

Learn More about automaton

See words that rhyme with automaton Spanish Central: Translation of automaton Nglish: Translation of automaton for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about automaton

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up automaton? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

automaton

Definition of automaton

Recent Examples of automaton from the Web

Did You Know?

Origin and Etymology of automaton

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

AUTOMATON Defined for English Language Learners

automaton

Definition of automaton for English Language Learners

Learn More about automaton

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

chary

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

'Spox' May Go On The Record

C'mon, Of Course 'Myriad' Is a Noun

'Gamut' and 'Gambit' (and 'Gauntlet' Too)

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

Forms of Government Quiz

Original Meanings Quiz

True or False?

SCRABBLE® Sprint

'Spox' May Go On The Record

Trending: New Joe Ide Novel Causes 'Righteous' Spike

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066

automaton

Definition of automaton

Read the Latest from M-W

Recent Examples of automaton from the Web

Did You Know?

Origin and Etymology of automaton

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

AUTOMATON Defined for English Language Learners

automaton

Definition of automaton for English Language Learners

Learn More about automaton

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

'Spox' May Go On The Record

Trending: New Joe Ide Novel Causes 'Righteous' Spike

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Forms of Government Quiz

Words of the Year: 1066