automotive

American  

[aw-tuh-moh-tiv, aw-tuh-moh-tiv] / ˌɔ təˈmoʊ tɪv, ˈɔ təˌmoʊ tɪv /

adjective

1. pertaining to the design, operation, manufacture, or sale of automobiles.

   automotive parts.

2. propelled by a self-contained motor, engine, or the like.

---

noun

1. Informal. an industry, store department, etc., specializing in appliances and parts for cars, trucks, and other motorized vehicles.

   You may find what you're looking for in automotive.

automotive British  

/ ˌɔːtəˈməʊtɪv /

adjective

1. relating to motor vehicles

2. self-propelling

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonautomotive
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of automotive

First recorded in 1860–65; auto- ¹ + motive

Explanation

Anything automotive has to do with automobiles — in other words, cars. The automotive industry, for example, is all about making and selling cars. If the windshield wipers fall off your car, get new ones at an automotive store. The word automotive comes from the Greek auto for “self” and motive for “moving," which makes sense for what the word may have meant in the late 1800s — a self-propelled helicopter-like machine for one person. Don’t bother looking for one of those, though, automotive now just refers to car stuff. If you're interested in automotive technology, you might become a mechanic. Or maybe you could figure out how to make one of those little helicopters.