- 1(of a machine, device, etc.) having controls that work without needing a person to operate them automatic doors a fully automatic driverless train automatic transmission (= in a car, etc.) an automatic rifle (= one that continues to fire as long as the trigger is pressed)
- 2done or happening without thinking synonym instinctive Breathing is an automatic function of the body. My reaction was automatic.
- 3always happening as a result of a particular action or situation A fine for this offense is automatic.
NAmE//ˌɔt̮əˈmæt̮ɪkli//
adverb The heating switches off automatically. I turned left automatically without thinking. You will automatically get free dental treatment if you are under 18.See automatic in the Oxford Advanced Learner's DictionaryCheck pronunciation: automatic