auto

n. a car or automobile.

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

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

“The museum features a collection of classic autos from the early twentieth century, showcasing the evolution of industrial design.”

American English

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

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

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

“The climate control system is set to auto to ensure the laboratory maintains a consistent temperature regardless of external conditions.”

n. a car that changes gears by itself.

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

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

“While some enthusiasts prefer the control of a manual gearbox, most modern commuters opt for an auto for its convenience in urban environments.”

n. a small three-wheeled vehicle used as a taxi.

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

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

“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.”

Dialect

adj. describing a car part that changes gears automatically.

adj. relating to an automatic transmission or gearbox; used attributively.

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

“The mechanic suggested that the auto transmission fluid needed to be replaced to prevent further slipping during acceleration.”

v. to travel or go somewhere in a car.

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

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

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

Archaic