noun
- automatic control systems that steer aircraft, ships, or other vehicles without constant human operation
- a state of acting or functioning without conscious thought or effort
Usage: figurative
Examples
- The commercial airliner’s autopilots engaged smoothly after takeoff.
- Modern ships rely on sophisticated autopilots for long ocean voyages.
- The pilot disengaged the autopilots to land manually in the crosswind.
- After years of practice, she could drive on autopilots during her commute.
- He answered the phone calls on autopilots while thinking about other things.
- The autopilots failed during turbulence, requiring immediate manual control.
- Many people go through their morning routines on autopilots.