English · Word Candidate

automotive

/ˌɔːtəˈməʊtɪv/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: automotives

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having the ability to move by itself; self-propelled or self-propelling.

Adjective

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Of, or relating to motor vehicles.

Adjective

Examples

But electric vehicles and the batteries that made them run became ensnared in corporate scandals, fraud, and monopolistic corruption that shook the confidence of the nation and inspired automotive upstarts.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A shop or company that sells motor vehicle parts.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

The field, business, or market segment that concerns automobiles, especially their manufacture.

Noun

Examples

His business is a machine shop that works mainly in automotive, aerospace, and medical.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “automotive” mean?

Having the ability to move by itself; self-propelled or self-propelling.

Is “automotive” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.