autopilot
2 synonyms for autopilot, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A system that automatically steers a vehicle, aircraft, or ship without a person actively controlling it.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
robot pilot
automatic pilot
How to use autopilot
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
on autopilot
switch to autopilot
engage the autopilot
Etymology
A blend of auto- ("self") and pilot, coined for the mechanical device that steers a craft without a human at the controls.
Full origin of autopilot →Frequently asked questions
What does “autopilot” mean?
The word “autopilot” means a system that automatically steers a vehicle, aircraft, or ship without a person actively controlling it. In plain terms, something (a system or a person) running on its own, without conscious steering.
How do you pronounce “autopilot”?
“Autopilot” is pronounced AW-toh-peye-luht (/ˈɔtoʊˌpaɪlət/ in IPA).
How do you use “autopilot” in a sentence?
Here is “autopilot” used in a sentence: “The pilot switched to autopilot once the plane reached cruising altitude.”
What part of speech is “autopilot”?
“Autopilot” is a noun.
Is “autopilot” a common word?
“Autopilot” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “autopilot” have?
“Autopilot” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a system that automatically steers a vehicle, aircraft, or ship without a person actively controlling it.
