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

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

auto

²

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

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

      auto parts

2. informal.
   short for autorickshaw

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

Gluesenkamp Perez, the mother of a toddler and owner of a family-run auto repair shop, became a political folk hero in 2022 by pulling off one of the biggest upsets in the country, coming from nowhere to win a Republican-held House seat representing the southwest corner of Washington state.

From Los Angeles Times

She described the frustrations — head-scratching regulations, nit-picky bureaucrats — she’s dealt with while running her auto shop.

From Los Angeles Times

Humphrey said the auto store was “destroyed.”

From Los Angeles Times

He said the fire also damaged a Fat Sal’s deli and the Sushi Ajito restaurant, which are next door to the auto parts store in the small shopping center.

From Los Angeles Times

A massive fire ripped through an auto parts store off a major Hollywood thoroughfare Saturday afternoon, destroying the business and damaging two adjacent restaurants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle