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

The event was the shared property of Forsythe, 87, an American businessman and auto racing magnate, and Kalkhoven, his Australian-born partner.

From Los Angeles Times

Nicola has an auto immune disease - Neuromyelitis Optica - she lost her sight in one eye 15 years ago and the other five years ago.

From BBC

Tesla is one of 13 car manufacturers where the auto workers' union is not recognised.

From BBC

“We will restore U.S. energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back American jobs, and make the U.S. the global leader of AI,” Zeldin said in his statement accepting the job, later adding he will also protect "access to clean air and water."

From Salon

She called this election “heartbreaking,” a painful choice for a lifelong Democrat deeply connected to the party, introduced to it by her father, a staunch United Auto Workers member.

From Slate

Related Words

• car
• passenger car
• vehicle