automatic answer
nounUK /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk ˈɑːnsə/
US /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪk ˈænsər/
An automatic answer is a reply a machine gives by itself without a person thinking about it.
When I called the help line, I got an automatic answer telling me to press one.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A reply that comes so quickly it seems to happen without thinking.
Her automatic answer to 'how are you?' was 'fine,' even though she was tired.
3. A standard response a computer program sends without a human writing it each time.
The email system sent an automatic answer saying the office was closed.
4. A predictable reply given out of habit rather than thought.
His automatic answer to every suggestion was 'no.'