1. a machine that operates automatically without human control
2. a person who acts mechanically without thinking or feeling
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The ancient Greeks designed mechanical automatons that could move and perform simple tasks.
• The factory’s new automaton can assemble parts faster than any human worker.
• Chess-playing automatons were popular entertainment in the 18th century.
• After years of routine work, he felt like an automaton going through the motions.
• The museum displayed several clockwork automatons from different historical periods.
• She moved through her daily tasks like an automaton, showing no emotion.
• The scientist built an automaton that could write simple messages.