noun
automaton
aw-TO-muh-tuhn
Automaton (noun) means a mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own. Example: “The museum displayed a 19th-century automaton that could write letters with a tiny pen.”
noun
1
A mechanical device built to carry out a fixed set of movements or instructions on its own.
"The museum displayed a 19th-century automaton that could write letters with a tiny pen."
"The toymaker spent years building a clockwork automaton shaped like a bird."
2
A person who behaves in a dull, mechanical way, as if acting without feeling or thought.
"He shuffled through his shift like an automaton, saying the same lines to every customer."
How to use automaton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA self-operating machine, or someone acting like one — robotic and emotionless.
Common pairings
like an automaton
a clockwork automaton
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Word forms
- Plural
- automatons, automata
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The museum displayed a 19th-century _____ that could write letters with a tiny pen.
Etymology
From Greek autómaton, "acting of its own accord" — the neuter form of autómatos, self-moving.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for automaton
See all rhymes for 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.
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