Daily Word Box

Install Daily Word Box: tap Share, then Add to Home Screen.

Word

auto

noun C1
UK /ˈɔːtəʊ/
US /ˈɔ.toʊ̯/

Meanings

noun

a car; a road vehicle with an engine

auto: a car; a road vehicle with an engine

Definition

An auto is a car used for road travel.

An auto is another word for a car, especially in American English. It refers to a motor vehicle with four wheels that people use to travel on roads. In everyday speech, "car" is often more common, while "auto" can sound slightly more formal or used in set phrases like "auto repair."

Examples

  • I left my auto at the repair shop and took the subway to work.
  • You can compare safety ratings before you choose your next auto.
  • He keeps his auto spotless, even after long highway trips.
  • She sold her old auto once it started failing in cold weather.
  • They rented their auto near the airport to avoid relying on taxis.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use "auto" where "automatic" is intended (e.g., "an auto transmission" instead of "an automatic transmission").