auto-

¹

1. a combining form meaning “self,” “same,” “spontaneous,” used in the formation of compound words.

   autograph, autodidact.

auto-

²

1. a combining form representing automobile in compound words.

   autocade.

auto-

³

1. a combining form representing automatic in compound words: autoalarm; autofeed; autofocus . Sometimes also taken as an adjective.

   auto enlarger; auto stop control; auto dialer.

auto

⁴

[aw-toh]

noun

plural

autos 

1. automobile.

adjective

1. of or relating to automobiles.

   an auto salesman; auto detailing.

auto.

⁵

abbreviation

1. automatic.

2. automobile.

3. automotive.

auto

¹

/ ˈɔːtəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for automobile

   2. ( as modifier )

      auto parts

2. informal,  short for autorickshaw

auto-

²

combining form

1. self; same; of or by the same one

   autobiography

2. acting from or occurring within; self-caused

   autohypnosis

3. self-propelling; automatic

   automobile

Word History and Origins

Origin of auto¹

< Greek, combining form of autós self

Origin of auto²

auto

Origin of auto³

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of auto¹

from Greek autos self

Example Sentences

A former resident of Patterson, in the San Joaquin Valley, Bucur was convicted in May 2010 on charges of burglary and auto theft, according to a statement from the Stanislaus County district attorney’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

“Also, for the first time this year in some Southern California areas, pump prices are higher than they were on this date in 2024,” Auto Club spokesperson Doug Shupe said in a release.

From Los Angeles Times

Gas prices have increased by 10 cents or more in the last week across most of Southern California — only the second time this year that the region has seen increases of that magnitude, the Auto Club of Southern California said in a statement Thursday.

From Los Angeles Times

The top five titles that Gen Alpha kids, generally considered to be those ages 12 and under, say they talk most about were Roblox, “Minecraft,” “Fortnite,” “Grand Theft Auto” and “Pokémon,” all of which originated from the world of video games.

From Los Angeles Times

"Auto manufacturers do not insure the world against harms caused by reckless drivers," the company said.

From BBC

Related Words

• car 
• passenger car www.thesaurus.com
• vehicle