automobile
5 synonyms for automobile, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A wheeled motor vehicle built to carry a driver and a few passengers under its own power.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use automobile
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
automobile industry
automobile manufacturer
Etymology
From French automobile, joining Greek autós ("self") with French mobile ("moving"), itself from Latin mobilis.
Full origin of automobile →Frequently asked questions
What does “automobile” mean?
The word “automobile” means a wheeled motor vehicle built to carry a driver and a few passengers under its own power. In plain terms, a car — a self-powered vehicle for road travel.
How do you pronounce “automobile”?
“Automobile” is pronounced AW-tuh-muh-beel (/ˈɔː.tə.məˌbil/ in IPA).
How do you use “automobile” in a sentence?
Here is “automobile” used in a sentence: “The family bought their first automobile in 1965.”
What part of speech is “automobile”?
“Automobile” is a noun.
Where does the word “automobile” come from?
The word “automobile” comes from Latin. From French automobile, joining Greek autós ("self") with French mobile ("moving"), itself from Latin mobilis.
Is “automobile” a common word?
“Automobile” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between an automobile and a car?
They refer to the same thing: a wheeled motor vehicle that carries a driver and a few passengers under its own power. 'Automobile' is the more formal or technical term, while 'car' is the everyday word most people use.
Is 'automobile' a formal word?
Yes. 'Automobile' sounds more formal and is more common in American English, especially in technical, legal, or industry contexts. In ordinary speech, most people simply say 'car'.
What is the difference between an automobile and a vehicle?
An automobile is one specific type of vehicle, built to carry a driver and a few passengers under its own power. 'Vehicle' is a much broader term that also covers trucks, buses, motorcycles, and even bicycles.
