Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Operating by itself with little or no direct human control: Describes a device, process, or system that functions independently once started.
   • Done or occurring spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention: Refers to actions that are mechanical, instinctive, or performed as a reflex.
   • (Of a firearm) able to load and fire continuously while the trigger is pressed: Pertaining to a gun that fires repeatedly with a single trigger pull.

2. Noun:

   • A machine or device that operates automatically: Such as an automatic transmission in a vehicle.
   • An automatic firearm: A gun that can fire bullets repeatedly with one continuous pull of the trigger.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The building has automatic doors that open when you approach.
  • Breathing is an automatic bodily function.
  • He gave an automatic reply without really listening to the question.
• Noun:
  • My car has an automatic, so I don't need to shift gears.
  • The soldier was equipped with an automatic.

Advanced Usage

• On automatic pilot: Functioning mechanically or without active thought due to habit or routine.
  • After years in the job, I can do the morning routine on automatic pilot.
• Automatic response/reaction: An immediate, unthinking reaction to a stimulus.
  • Flinching from a loud noise is an automatic response.

Variants and Related Words

• Automatically (adverb): In an automatic manner.
  • The lights turn on automatically at dusk.
• Automation (noun): The use of automatic equipment or processes.
  • The factory increased production through automation.
• Automate (verb): To convert a process or facility to be operated automatically.
  • The company plans to automate its assembly line.

Synonyms

• Mechanical: Performed or performing in a machinelike manner.
• Instinctive: Relating to or prompted by instinct; not learned.
• Self-acting: Operating independently; automatic.
• Reflex: An action performed without conscious thought as a response to a stimulus.

Related Phrases

• Fully automatic: (Of a firearm) Capable of continuous fire with one trigger pull until ammunition is exhausted.
• Semi-automatic: (Of a firearm) Firing one round per trigger pull and automatically reloading for the next shot.
• Automatic teller machine (ATM): An electronic banking outlet for cash withdrawals and other basic transactions.

Related Idioms

• It's automatic: Used to say something is certain to happen or be the case.
  • If you break the rules, a penalty is automatic.

Adjective

1. without volition or conscious control
   • the automatic shrinking of the pupils of the eye in strong light
   • a reflex knee jerk
   • sneezing is reflexive
2. resembling the unthinking functioning of a machine
   • an automatic `thank you'
   • machinelike efficiency
3. operating with minimal human intervention; independent of external control
   • automatic transmission
   • a budget deficit that caused automatic spending cuts

Noun

1. a pistol that will keep firing until the ammunition is gone or the trigger is released
2. light machine gun