Search Dictionary
Definition of autocue

autocue

/ˈɔː.toʊ.kjuː/
au · to · cue
Plural:autocues
JUMP TO:

autocue Lexical Profile

autocue Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British An electronic device mounted near a television camera or stage that displays a scrolling script for a newsreader, presenter, or public speaker to read while looking directly toward the audience or lens.

Example

"When the autocue suddenly froze during the live broadcast, the veteran anchor seamlessly switched to her printed notes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for autocue

Word Nuance & Usage

Originally a proprietary British trademark, the term is used generically in British and Commonwealth English for any electronic prompting device, whereas "teleprompter" is the standard term in North American English.

• Nearby Words

autocrat
autocratic
autocratically
autocue
autodestruct
autodial
autofill

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1950s from the trademark name of a British television prompting manufacturer, combining the prefix auto- (meaning "automatic") with cue.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Autocue. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/autocue
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.