automatic

American  

[aw-tuh-mat-ik] / ˌɔ təˈmæt ɪk /

adjective

1. having the capability of starting, operating, moving, etc., independently.

   an automatic sprinkler system; an automatic car wash.

2. Physiology. occurring independently of volition, as certain muscular actions; involuntary.

3. done unconsciously or from force of habit; mechanical.

   an automatic application of the brakes.

4. occurring spontaneously.

   automatic enthusiasm.

5. (of a firearm, pistol, etc.) utilizing the recoil or part of the force of the explosive to eject the spent cartridge shell, introduce a new cartridge, cock the arm, and fire it repeatedly.

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noun

1. a machine that operates automatically.

2. automatic rifle.

3. automatic pistol.

4. Football. audible.

5. automatic pilot.

6. automatic transmission.

7. an automobile equipped with automatic transmission.

idioms

1. on automatic, being operated or controlled by or as if by an automatic device.

automatic British  

/ ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk, ˌɔːtəʊməˈtɪsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. performed from force of habit or without conscious thought; lacking spontaneity; mechanical

   an automatic smile

2. 1. (of a device, mechanism, etc) able to activate, move, or regulate itself

   2. (of an act or process) performed by such automatic equipment

3. (of the action of a muscle, gland, etc) involuntary or reflex

4. occurring as a necessary consequence

   promotion is automatic after a year

5. 1. utilizing some of the force of or gas from each explosion to eject the empty shell case, replace it with a new one, and fire continuously until release of the trigger Compare semiautomatic

   2. short for semiautomatic See also machine

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noun

1. an automatic firearm

2. a motor vehicle having automatic transmission

3. a machine that operates automatically

Synonym Usage

Automatic, involuntary, spontaneous all mean not under the control of the will. That which is automatic, however, is an invariable reaction to a fixed type of stimulus: The patella reflex is automatic. That which is involuntary is an unexpected response that varies according to the occasion, circumstances, mood, etc.: an involuntary cry of pain. That which is spontaneous arises from immediate stimuli and usually involves an expression of strong feeling: a spontaneous roar of laughter.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• quasi-automatically
  adverb
• nonautomatically
  adverb
• nonautomatic
  adjective
• subautomatic
  adjective
• quasi-automatic
  adjective
• unautomatic
  adjective
• unautomatically
  adverb
• automatically
  adverb
• subautomatically
  adverb
• automaticity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of automatic

First recorded in 1740–50; from Greek autómat(os) “self-moving” ( see automaton) + -ic

Explanation

If someone asks, “How are you?” and you reply, “Fine,” without really thinking about it, that’s an automatic reply. Something that’s automatic is done without thinking, almost as if you’re a well-programmed machine. The word automatic can be used to describe a machine that works on its own, performing its tasks with little or no human intervention, such as an automatic transmission on a car. Or, automatic can describe a person whose actions are like a machine's. If you flash a smile every time someone walks through the door, it’s an automatic smile, a natural reaction you didn't think about or plan in advance.

Example Sentences

Best For Users who want automatic security features and don’t mind ads in exchange for decent daily data allowances.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2026

You can also be notified by way of the “Where’s My Ballot?” tracking tool if you have signed up for automatic notifications that will ping you if there are issues with your ballot.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

A tiny flow of vessels, including some large oil and gas tankers, are making the dangerous transit with help from the U.S. military, in some cases turning off lights and automatic navigation systems.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

And on 10 October 2018 he invested in a Jura Z8 fully automatic bean to cup coffee machine, which cost £2,595.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

It measures our second level of attitude, our racial attitude on an unconscious level—the immediate, automatic associations that tumble out before we’ve even had time to think.

From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell

Related Words

• automated
• electric
• electronic
• mechanical