autopilot
noun
au·to·pi·lot
ˈȯ-tō-ˌpī-lət 
1
: a device for automatically steering ships, aircraft, and spacecraft
also
: the automatic control provided by such a device
Examples of autopilot in a Sentence
an airplane equipped with an autopilot
The plane was flying on autopilot.
Recent Examples on the Web
If all goes according to plan, Starliner will dock on autopilot at the forward port of the station.
—
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 1 June 2024
Biden, in other words, needs to take North Korean policy off autopilot and launch a proactive effort to deter Pyongyang.
—Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2024
The Racer also has hybrid propulsion along with a custom engine management system and autopilot.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 May 2024
In cases where turbulence cannot be avoided, Airbus recommends pilots fasten their shoulder harnesses and secure loose objects in the cockpit, leave autopilot systems on and possibly descend to a lower altitude.
—TIME, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for autopilot 
Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 1 June 2024
Biden, in other words, needs to take North Korean policy off autopilot and launch a proactive effort to deter Pyongyang.
—Sue Mi Terry, Foreign Affairs, 16 May 2024
The Racer also has hybrid propulsion along with a custom engine management system and autopilot.
—Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 May 2024
In cases where turbulence cannot be avoided, Airbus recommends pilots fasten their shoulder harnesses and secure loose objects in the cockpit, leave autopilot systems on and possibly descend to a lower altitude.
—TIME, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for autopilot
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autopilot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near autopilot
Cite this Entry
“Autopilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autopilot. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
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