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
Examples of autopilot in a Sentence
an airplane equipped with an autopilot
The plane was flying on autopilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
In cases where turbulence cannot be avoided, Airbus recommends pilots fasten their shoulder harnesses and secure loose objects in the cockpit, leave autopilot systems on and possibly descend to a lower altitude.
—
TIME, 21 May 2024
For the first time, conditions were calm enough to rely on the autopilot.
—Tomas Weber, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for autopilot 
TIME, 21 May 2024
For the first time, conditions were calm enough to rely on the autopilot.
—Tomas Weber, Rolling Stone, 18 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for autopilot
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autopilot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near autopilot
Cite this Entry
“Autopilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autopilot. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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