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Definition of autopilot

autopilot

/ˈɔː.toʊˌpaɪ.lət/
au · to · pi · lot
Plural:autopilots
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autopilot Lexical Profile

autopilot Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic control system used to guide an aircraft, ship, or spacecraft along a set course without continuous manual control by a human operator.

Example

"Once the commercial jet reached its cruising altitude, the captain engaged the autopilot for the transatlantic flight."

2

A mental state in which a person performs familiar actions or routines habitually and without conscious thought or attention.

Example

"Exhausted from the long week, she drove home on autopilot and barely remembered the commute."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for autopilot

• Nearby Words

autonomous
autonomously
autonomy
autopilot
autoplay
autopsy
autoreply

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 20th century as a blend of "automatic" and "pilot" to describe early mechanical aviation guidance systems.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Autopilot. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/autopilot
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