autopilot

noun

au·​to·​pi·​lot ˈȯ-tō-ˌpī-lət 

1

: a device for automatically steering ships, aircraft, and spacecraft

also : the automatic control provided by such a device

2

: automatic pilot sense 2

Examples of autopilot in a Sentence

an airplane equipped with an autopilot

The plane was flying on autopilot.

Recent Examples on the Web

Closing the books and financial reporting are on autopilot with great teams, Frias said, freeing the CFO to concentrate on enterprise strategy. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025

Uncle Sam’s spending binge will remain compounding until Republicans muster the stones to take entitlements off autopilot. —Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 17 Oct. 2025

Ambushed by her friends, Gia is challenged to dream bigger and awaken from autopilot before her 30th birthday. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2025

On autopilot The NGC Cinema-Grand Blanc Trillium, about three-quarters of a mile away on Holly Road, became a triage and reunification site for church members who escaped the attack. —Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

auto- + pilot entry 1, as shortening of automatic pilot

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for autopilot

• eyelet
• islet
• pilot
• stylet