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

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.

Example Sentences

An International Trade Commission study in 2019 found that Chinese production of automotive parts had grown significantly over the preceding decade, with U.S. imports concentrated in smaller components such as brake rotors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

The industry remains a key end market for companies like Infineon as its automotive business still accounts for the lion’s share of sales.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

“In automotive, we are seeing positive developments, especially in software-defined vehicles, dampened by a challenging high-voltage business for e-mobility,” Hanebeck said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

The company’s other products for PC, automotive and industrial end markets are more cyclical income streams, but they are on an upswing, with combined first-quarter sales expected to rise by 13% from last year.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

She put on some worn denim overalls that her husband had brought along with other automotive items and set about on a new restoration of the house.

From "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez