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auto

SayAW-toh/ˈɔtoʊ/UK/ˈɔːtəʊ/

Pluralautos

6 meanings of auto

Practice

  1. 1
    carnounAustraliaCanadaNew ZealandPhilippinesUScountable or uncountablebefore a nounabbreviationclipping
    Short for automobile: a car.

    He parked the auto outside the store.

    Her uncle sells new and used autos on Main Street.

    UsageSay auto parts or auto shop. Alone, say car.

    Note
  2. 2
    device settingnoununcountable
    A setting that makes a machine work by itself.

    Like a porch light that turns itself on when it gets dark.

    I left the camera on auto so it would focus by itself.

    Set the heater to auto and it will adjust the temperature for you.

    UsageSwitch it to auto.

    Similarautomatic

    Oppositemanual

  3. 3
    three-wheel taxinounIndiacountable
    A small three-wheeled vehicle used as a taxi in South Asia.

    We took an auto to the train station.

    He paid the auto driver and stepped onto the curb.

    UsageSay take an auto for a ride in one.

    Similarrickshaw, tuk-tuk

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    nouncountable or uncountable
    A car gearbox that changes gears by itself, or a car that has one.

    The auto in his truck changes gears so smoothly you barely notice.

    I learned to drive in an auto, so I never used a clutch.

    Similarautomatic

    Oppositemanual

    Note
  2. 5
    adjectiveabbreviationclipping
    Short for automatic: describes a car or gearbox that changes gears by itself.

    "Is your car auto or manual?" the salesman asked.

    This model comes with an auto gearbox and a big screen.

  3. 6
    verbdatedintransitive
    To travel somewhere by car.
    The food was excellent and well served, and it recalled the Norman cities he had autoed to.
    1907, Automotive IndustriesHere, autoed means traveled by car.
    Christmas Day we decided to spend in snow, in order to feel more at home, and so we autoed up 5000 ft. to Peira Cava and reveled in the winter sports, autoing back to the roses and “summer time” at nightfall.
    1924, The Smith Alumnae Quarterly, volumes 16-17

    Similardrive, motor

    Note

Practice

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Origins

Meanings 1–2, 4–6

It comes from the Greek word 'autós', meaning 'self'. People shortened the words automatic and automobile.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

Meaning 3

A short form of 'autorickshaw', made from 'auto' and 'rickshaw'.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts