Meaning of automatic In English

• 0 An automatic machine or device is able to operate independently of human control:

  • automatic doors

  • automatic focus on a camera

  • The state banned the sale of automatic weapons.

  • an automatic rifle

  • The weapon is capable of firing in either an automatic or a semiautomatic mode.

  • a burst of automatic fire

  • I was thinking of buying an automatic car because my wife has arthritis.

  • Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are available.

  • For the UK, it will have a four-speed automatic gearbox only.

• 1 done without thinking about it:

  • Over time, driving just becomes automatic.

  • My automatic response was to pull my hand away.

• 2 certain to happen as part of the normal process or system:

  • Citizenship is automatic for children born in this country.

  • You get an automatic promotion after two years.

• 3 a vehicle in which you do not have to change the gears:

  • Kate drives an automatic.

  • In the US, most cars are automatics, while in the UK they are still mostly manual.

  • The gunman opened fire with an automatic.

• 4 able to operate independently of human control:

  • The car has a five-speed automatic transmission.

• 5 (of an action) done without thinking about it:

  • Soon enough, taking her pill every morning became automatic.

• 6 happening according to rules that are certain to be followed, and therefore not needing a decision:

  • Citizenship is automatic for children born in the US.

  • People on Social Security get automatic cost-of-living increases each year.

• 7 an automatic machine, process, or system is able to operate, complete a task, or move by itself without being controlled by a person:

  • Tick the 'automatic update' box and the date and time will be updated for you.

  • automatic sliding doors

  • automatic payment/transfer/withdrawal

• 8 happening as a usual result, without the need for extra permission, approval, proof, etc.:

  • EU nationals have the automatic right to apply for jobs in other countries within the European Union.