Meaning of the word autopilot in English

What does autopilot mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

autopilot

US /ˈɑː.t̬oʊˌpaɪ.lət/
UK /ˈɔː.təʊˌpaɪ.lət/
"autopilot" picture

Noun

a device or system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human operator

Example:
The pilot switched the plane to autopilot once they reached cruising altitude.
Modern cars are increasingly equipped with advanced autopilot features.

Phrase

doing something without thinking because you have done it many times before

Example:
I was on autopilot this morning and drove to my old office by mistake.
After years of doing the same job, she just goes through the day on autopilot.