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

The second is an autopilot bias, where directors become absorbed in routine governance, compliance and retrospective reporting. — James Langabeer, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Someone who can still put it on autopilot, then execute while relying on that training. — Sean Joseph Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Last month, 44-year-old Michael Butler told police that the autopilot feature was engaged at the time of the crash. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 16 July 2026

The crash comes after other recent Tesla crashes, including a Texas grandmother who died after a Tesla allegedly driving on autopilot crashed into her home last month. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

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