automaton
4 synonyms for automaton, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use automaton
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
like an automaton
a clockwork automaton
Etymology
From Greek autómaton, "acting of its own accord" — the neuter form of autómatos, self-moving.
Full origin of automaton →Frequently asked questions
What does “automaton” mean?
The word “automaton” means a mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own. In plain terms, a self-operating machine, or someone acting like one — robotic and emotionless.
How do you pronounce “automaton”?
“Automaton” is pronounced aw-TO-muh-tuhn (/ɔːˈtɒmətən/ in IPA).
How do you use “automaton” in a sentence?
Here is “automaton” used in a sentence: “The museum displayed a 19th-century automaton that could write letters with a tiny pen.”
What part of speech is “automaton”?
“Automaton” is a noun.
Where does the word “automaton” come from?
The word “automaton” comes from Greek. From Greek autómaton, "acting of its own accord" — the neuter form of autómatos, self-moving.
How many meanings does “automaton” have?
“Automaton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own.
