autopilot
noun
au·to·pi·lot
ˈȯ-tō-ˌpī-lət 
1
: a device for automatically steering ships, aircraft, and spacecraft
also
: the automatic control provided by such a device
Examples of autopilot in a Sentence
an airplane equipped with an autopilot
The plane was flying on autopilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues investigations into Tesla’s FSD and autopilot features.
—
David Trainer, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In many cases, a change in routine – like a parent who doesn't normally do day care drop-off – and a brain operating on autopilot leads to the tragedy.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
This integration can feel challenging; for those conditioned by the violence of capitalistic toil, disrupting the autopilot of perpetual labor with rest can ironically be a very active practice.
—Akilah Sailers, Essence, 5 Apr. 2025
Lyrics that would normally slip through me on autopilot were now barbed and heavy.
—Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autopilot
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.
David Trainer, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025
In many cases, a change in routine – like a parent who doesn't normally do day care drop-off – and a brain operating on autopilot leads to the tragedy.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2025
This integration can feel challenging; for those conditioned by the violence of capitalistic toil, disrupting the autopilot of perpetual labor with rest can ironically be a very active practice.
—Akilah Sailers, Essence, 5 Apr. 2025
Lyrics that would normally slip through me on autopilot were now barbed and heavy.
—Ryan Miller, The Atlantic, 10 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for autopilot
Cite this Entry
“Autopilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autopilot. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share