automaton

[aw-tom-uh-ton, -tn]

noun

plural

automatons, automata 

1. a mechanical figure or contrivance constructed to act as if by its own motive power; robot.

2. a person or animal that acts in a monotonous, routine manner, without active intelligence.

3. something capable of acting automatically or without an external motive force.

automaton

/ ɔːˈtɒməˌtɒn, -tən /

noun

1. a mechanical device operating under its own hidden power; robot

2. a person who acts mechanically or leads a routine monotonous life

Other Word Forms

• automatous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of automaton¹

1605–15; < Latin: automatic device < Greek, noun use of neuter of autómatos spontaneous, acting without human agency, equivalent to auto- auto- ¹ + -matos, adj. derivative from base of memonénai to intend, ménos might, force

Word History and Origins

Origin of automaton¹

C17: from Latin, from Greek, from automatos spontaneous, self-moving

Example Sentences

The term for an automaton picked up steam elsewhere with the advent of artificial intelligence and the wider adoption of delivery robots.

From Salon

The success of “Maybe Happy Ending” hinges in no small part on the miraculous performance of Darren Criss, who plays an automaton with a secretly sensitive heart.

From Los Angeles Times

Campione has become known for her unique specialism in dolls, doll houses, automata, birdcages and corkscrews.

From BBC

But in the 18th and 19th centuries, the automaton — an intricate mechanical device that could take the form of a preening silver swan or an organ-playing doll — was a popular source of entertainment and wonder.

From New York Times

There, in the Morris Museum’s collection of mechanical musical instruments and automata, is a music box from around 1877.

From New York Times

Related Words

• apparatus 
• appliance 
• automobile 
• engine 
• gadget 
• instrument 
• motor 
• tool 
• vehicle