(also autopilot) noun [C] [usu.sing] a device in an aircraft or a ship that keeps it on a fixed course without the need for a person to control it 自动驾驶仪 be on automatic pilot to do sth without thinking because you have done the same thing many times before 不动脑筋地做某事（因为已经做过多次）: I tidied up and made the dinner on automatic pilot. 我不加思考地收拾屋子，做了晚饭。