ENGLISH
REFERENCE

auto

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈɔtoʊ// UK //ˈɔːtəʊ// au·to
  1. 1 a car (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English

    a car or automobile.

    a motor vehicle with four wheels; a clipping of automobile.

    Example

    The city is famous for its large auto industry and many factories.

    Example

    The museum features a collection of classic autos from the early twentieth century, showcasing the evolution of industrial design.
  2. 2 automatic setting (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a setting on a machine or camera that works by itself.

    a mode of operation in which a device performs its functions without manual intervention.

    Example

    I usually leave my camera on auto when I am taking quick photos.

    Example

    The climate control system is set to auto to ensure the laboratory maintains a consistent temperature regardless of external conditions.
  3. 3 automatic car (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a car that changes gears by itself.

    a vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission; also used to refer to the transmission itself.

    Example

    She prefers driving an auto because it is easier in heavy traffic.

    Example

    While some enthusiasts prefer the control of a manual gearbox, most modern commuters opt for an auto for its convenience in urban environments.
  4. 4 autorickshaw (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Dialect

    a small three-wheeled vehicle used as a taxi.

    a motorised version of a pulled rickshaw or cycle rickshaw, common in many Asian countries.

    Example

    We took an auto to the market because it was faster than the bus.

    Example

    Navigating the narrow streets of the old city is often easiest in an auto, as they can weave through traffic more effectively than standard cars.

    Usage

    Commonly used in Indian English.
  5. 5 automatic transmission (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describing a car part that changes gears automatically.

    relating to an automatic transmission or gearbox; used attributively.

    Example

    The car has an auto gearbox, so you do not need to use a clutch.

    Example

    The mechanic suggested that the auto transmission fluid needed to be replaced to prevent further slipping during acceleration.
  6. 6 to travel by car (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    to travel or go somewhere in a car.

    to travel by automobile; an intransitive use that has largely fallen out of contemporary favour.

    Example

    In the early days of the century, wealthy families would auto across the countryside.

    Example

    The travelogue describes how the party intended to auto through the Alps, a feat rarely attempted by tourists at the time.
Etymology 1

From Ancient Greek αὐτός (autós, “self”), metanalyzed from auto- in words such as automatic, autopilot, and automobile.

Etymology 2

Clipping of autorickshaw, from Hindi ऑटो रिक्शा (ŏṭo rikśā).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 19, 2026