automation

UK: /ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃ^ən/ US: /ˌɔtəˈmeɪʃən/ ,(ô′tə mā′shən)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

au•to•ma•tion  (ô′tə mā′shən), n. 

1. the technique, method, or system of operating or controlling a process by highly automatic means, as by electronic devices, reducing human intervention to a minimum.
2. a mechanical device, operated electronically, that functions automatically, without continuous input from an operator.
3. act or process of automating.
4. the state of being automated.

• autom(atic oper)ation 1945–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

automation / ˌɔːtəˈmeɪʃən/ noun

1. the use of methods for controlling industrial processes automatically, esp by electronically controlled systems, often reducing manpower
2. the extent to which a process is so controlled

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

au•to•mate /ˈɔtəˌmeɪt/   v., -mat•ed, -mat•ing. 

1. to use machines instead of people to do the work of (a mechanical process, etc.); apply the principles of automation to: [~ + object]
   We need to automate those procedures.
   [no object]
   The investors want us to automate.

au•to•ma•tion /ˌɔtəˈmeɪʃən/  n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

au•to•mate  (ô′tə māt′), v., -mat•ed, -mat•ing. 
v.t. 

1. to apply the principles of automation to (a mechanical process, industry, office, etc.).
2. to operate or control by automation.
3. to displace or make obsolete by automation (often fol. by out):
   The unskilled jobs are going to be automated out.

v.i. 

4. to install automatic procedures, as for manufacturing or servicing;
   follow or utilize the principles of automation:
   Many banks have begun to automate.

• back formation from automation 1950–55

au′to•mat′a•ble, adj.