automotive

adjective

au·​to·​mo·​tive ˌȯ-tə-ˈmō-tiv 

1

: self-propelled

2

: of, relating to, or concerned with self-propelled vehicles or machines

Examples of automotive in a Sentence

The store stocks automotive parts.

Recent Examples on the Web

The device went through development stages with automotive engineers and was evaluated using engineering risk-analysis processes to iterate the design for strength and non-slippage. —Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025

Alspaugh decided to enable anyone seeking to bring a touch of cinematic magic and automotive history to their moment. —Margot MacHol Bisnow, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

Without the pressure of direct competition, the Big Three of the automotive industry – GM, Ford and Stellantis – have less incentive to innovate with EVs, Sperling said. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2025

The collaboration would likely benefit both automotive giants. —New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

auto- + motive entry 2

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for automotive

• locomotive
• electromotive
• emotive
• promotive
• motive
• votive

Kids Definition

automotive

adjective

au·​to·​mo·​tive ˌȯt-ə-ˈmōt-iv 

1

: self-propelled

2

: of, relating to, or concerned with automobiles, trucks, or buses