# autopilot

/ˈɔtoʊˌpaɪɫət/ (US) · /ˌɔːtəʊpˈaɪlət/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/autopilot
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a system that steers a plane or ship without a human pilot. You can also use it to describe doing something without thinking because you have done it many times before.

For teachers: a device or system used to control the path of a vehicle without constant manual intervention. Often used metaphorically to describe a state of performing tasks automatically or without conscious thought.

## Examples

- The pilot turned on the autopilot once the plane reached a safe altitude.
- After working the same night shift for three years, he often found himself driving home on autopilot.
- Modern aviation relies heavily on sophisticated autopilot systems to maintain precise headings and altitudes, though pilots must remain vigilant to intervene during unexpected turbulence or system failures.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the prepositional phrase 'on autopilot' when referring to habitual or mindless behavior.

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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.