auto-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “self,” “same,” “spontaneous,” used in the formation of compound words:

   autograph, autodidact.

auto-

²

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words:

   autocade.

auto-

³

1. a combining form representing automatic in compound words: autoalarm; autofeed; autofocus . Sometimes also taken as an adjective:

   auto enlarger; auto stop control; auto dialer.

auto

⁴

[ aw-toh ]

noun

, plural au·tos.

1. automobile.

adjective

1. of or relating to automobiles:

   an auto salesman; auto detailing.

auto.

⁵

abbreviation for

1. automatic.
2. automobile.
3. automotive.

auto

¹

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for automobile
   2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

2. See autorickshaw
   informal.
   short for autorickshaw

auto-

²

combining_form

1. self; same; of or by the same one

   autobiography

2. acting from or occurring within; self-caused

   autohypnosis

3. self-propelling; automatic

   automobile

Word History and Origins

Origin of auto-¹

< Greek, combining form of autós self

Origin of auto-²

auto

Origin of auto-³

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of auto-¹

from Greek autos self

Example Sentences

This comes just a couple of months after Amazon started selling auto insurance in India.

From Quartz

Google said on Thursday that it recently implemented a new policy to stop auto-complete search queries from popping up if they seem to support a candidate or contain misinformation about voting or the election.

From Axios

Google rather not show a suggestion in auto-complete than show an inaccurate suggestion.

From Search Engine Land

Another auto entry — Science News, September 12, 1970The recent week-long clean air car race from Massachusetts to California provided a shotgun approach to development of low-emission or nonpolluting vehicle engines.

From Science News

For a retailer or auto manufacturer, the trigger would be if a certain percentage of stores or dealerships are closed.

From Digiday

Even his signature instrument, Auto-Tune, has become as accepted an ingredient in hip-hop as the drum machine.

From The Daily Beast

If your ears are tired of slick auto-tuned vocals, pick up this disk for an aural detox.

From The Daily Beast

I know that Detroit is losing market share in auto sales, but how did they let the Motown sound slip out of their hands?

From The Daily Beast

A small fire in an auto parts store created explosions that quickly got out of control.

From The Daily Beast

In third person, Grand Theft Auto V was like a really elaborate action figure play set.

From The Daily Beast

At this hour of the afternoon, before the return rush of the auto-commuters from the city, the road was almost empty.

From Project Gutenberg

He had her arm—held it close, as they passed through the station and crossed the walkway to where an inclosed auto stood.

From Project Gutenberg

There were warm robes and blankets in the Belding auto and in the sightseeing machine that Mr. Purcell had sent.

From Project Gutenberg

We had two auto-cars for our party of eight, in case the added four joined the two couples who had passage secured on the Ryndam.

From Project Gutenberg

There were two large auto-stages in waiting, and Ruth and Helen followed the crowd of girls briskly getting aboard the buses.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle