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.

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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

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Other Word Forms

• nonautomotive adjective

Etymology

Origin of automotive

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

Example Sentences

California built its tradition of open government — including for citizen boards that set the rules for such functions as automotive repair and security guard licensing — precisely to keep well-funded corporate interests in check.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Huawei’s intelligent automotive solution business revenue increased 72% to 45 billion yuan last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The fastest growth came in what Huawei calls its intelligent automotive solution business, where revenue increased 72% last year to 45 billion yuan.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

But he noted that "the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation and faces intense international competition."

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

But by 1903, automotive horsepower had greatly improved— one car averaged 65.3 mph in a cross-European race that season—making the races a good spectacle.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand