# auto

/ˈɔtoʊ/ (US) · /ˈɔːtəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/auto
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a car

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

a car or automobile.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. automatic setting

noun · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. automatic car

noun · CEFR B1

a car that changes gears by itself.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. autorickshaw

noun · CEFR B2 · Dialect

a small three-wheeled vehicle used as a taxi.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly used in Indian English.

### 5. automatic transmission

adjective · CEFR B1

describing a car part that changes gears automatically.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to travel by car

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to travel or go somewhere in a car.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The mechanic fixes the damaged auto in his shop.
- The city is hosting a large auto show this weekend to display the latest electric vehicle models.
- The regional economy relies heavily on the auto industry, providing thousands of manufacturing jobs across several neighboring towns and supporting a vast network of local suppliers.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.