autopilot

noun

au·​to·​pi·​lot ˈȯ-tō-ˌpī-lət How to pronounce autopilot (audio)
1
: a device for automatically steering ships, aircraft, and spacecraft
also : the automatic control provided by such a device
2
: automatic pilot sense 2

Examples of autopilot in a Sentence

an airplane equipped with an autopilot The plane was flying on autopilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The novelty of a road trip brings us out of autopilot. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 17 June 2026 But his cruise control sometimes sounds like autopilot. — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 12 June 2026 Not being present in the moment, just being on autopilot. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026 The crash in Pennsylvania came two days after a woman in Texas died when the driver of a Tesla, allegedly on autopilot, crashed into her home. — Michael Guise, CBS News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for autopilot

Word History

Etymology

auto- + pilot entry 1, as shortening of automatic pilot

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of autopilot was in 1917

Rhymes for autopilot

See All Rhymes for autopilot

Browse Nearby Words

autophytography
autopilot
autopistol
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Autopilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autopilot. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on autopilot

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about autopilot

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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