auto-rickshaw

noun

au·​to-rick·​shaw

variants or autorickshaw

ˌȯ-tō-ˈrik-ˌshȯ 

plural auto-rickshaws or autorickshaws

: a motorized rickshaw

… superficial images of modernization are everywhere to be seen: auto-rickshaws, which are rapidly replacing horse-drawn tongas; stores stocked with the latest Western-style gadgetry …

—Fergus M. Bordewich, Atlantic, July 1986

"Horn Please" demand the signs on the backs of a million trucks blocking the road. All the other trucks, and cars, bikes, motor scooters, taxis, and … autorickshaws enthusiastically respond, welcoming Zafar and me with an energetic rendition of the traditional symphony of the Indian street.

—Salman Rushdie, New Yorker, 19 June 2000

Word History

Etymology

auto- entry 2 + rickshaw

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

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