# automotive

/ˌɔtəˈmoʊtɪv/ (US) · /ˌɔːtəʊmˈəʊtɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/automotive
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. relating to motor vehicles

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to cars, trucks, and other vehicles with engines.

For teachers: pertaining to motor vehicles, especially their design, manufacture, or operation.

- The city is a major hub for automotive manufacturing and parts supply.
- The automotive sector is currently undergoing a massive transition as manufacturers shift their focus from internal combustion engines to electric drivetrains.

### 2. self-propelled

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

able to move on its own without being pulled or pushed by something else.

For teachers: possessing the power of self-propulsion; used technically to describe machinery that moves independently.

- Early engineers dreamed of creating an automotive carriage that didn't need horses.
- The invention of the automotive engine revolutionized transport by eliminating the need for external draft animals or stationary steam power.

### 3. the car industry

noun · CEFR B2

the business or industry of making and selling cars.

For teachers: the industrial and commercial sector involved in the production and sale of motor vehicles.

- He has worked in automotive for twenty years, starting as a mechanic.
- Global shifts in trade policy have had a profound impact on automotive, forcing companies to rethink their international supply chains.

## Examples

- He works as an automotive engineer for a large company.
- The city's economy relies heavily on the automotive sector, which provides thousands of manufacturing jobs.
- Recent shifts in automotive technology have forced traditional manufacturers to pivot toward electric drivetrains and autonomous navigation systems to remain competitive in the global market.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.