au·to·mat·ic
ˌȯ-tə-ˈma-tik 
1
a
: largely or wholly involuntary
b
: acting or done spontaneously or unconsciously
the automatic applause of the audience
c
: done or produced as if by machine : mechanical
the answers were automatic
2
: having a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism
an automatic transmission
3
of a firearm
: firing repeatedly until the trigger is released
1
: a machine or apparatus that operates automatically
especially
: an automatic firearm
2
a
: an automatic transmission
a car with a three-speed automatic
b
: an automobile with an automatic transmission
Is your car an automatic or a manual?
3
American football
: audible
Synonyms
Examples of automatic in a Sentence
Adjective
Without thinking, he gave an automatic reply.
She always has an automatic smile for everyone.
Noun
Will your next car be a manual or an automatic?
Recent Examples on the Web
Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
Kentucky, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Virginia do have automatic recounts, but not for the presidential race.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Jaina Grey, WIRED, 8 Apr. 2024
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift.
—New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for automatic 
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Adjective
The incentive is selective, not automatic, and has a cap of $6.6BN (JPY1BN).
—Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024
Kentucky, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Virginia do have automatic recounts, but not for the presidential race.
—Addy Bink, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
Keep an eye out for my review of the automatics soon.
—Jaina Grey, WIRED, 8 Apr. 2024
In the car world, automatics are practical and simple for the majority of commuting drivers, but enthusiasts often prefer the extra control and involvement of a clutch and a stick-shift.
—New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for automatic
Dictionary Entries Near automatic
Cite this Entry
“Automatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/automatic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
automatic
1 of 2 adjective
au·to·mat·ic
ˌȯt-ə-ˈmat-ik
1
a
: largely or wholly involuntary
especially
: reflex sense 2
b
: acting or done without conscious thought or intention
an automatic smile
2
: having devices or mechanisms that permit operation without help from a person
automatic washer
3
: firing repeatedly until the trigger is released
an automatic rifle
automatic
2 of 2 noun
: an automatic machine or device
especially
: an automatic firearm
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