motocross

noun

mo·​to·​cross ˈmō-tō-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce motocross (audio)
variants or less commonly motorcross
plural motocrosses also motorcrosses
: a closed-course motorcycle race over natural or simulated rough terrain (as with steep inclines, hairpin turns, and mud)
… has brought in some 75,000 visitors during the past six months. They have come to participate in such activities as square dance contests, Highland games and motocrosses.Judith Segal and Linn Varney
also : the sport of engaging in motocross races
If you think racing motocross is a tough sport now—just take yourself back 30 years to the early '70s. Dirt Rider
Motocross began around 1914 as a form of relaxation for employees at an English motorcycle factory. It became an international sport in the '50s, mainly in Europe. In the '70s, it took root in America, particularly in Southern California. Tracy Young
This versatile space seats 12,000 people for events ranging from basketball to motorcross and world-class ice skating. Steve Womersley and Rachel Neustein
In a return for the first event this summer, motocross enthusiasts will once again be able to race at the Taber Motorsports Park this coming weekend. Cole Parkinson

Examples of motocross in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The stunt required eight takes — and Cruise extensively preparing on a motocross track. Skyler Trepel, People.com, 25 May 2025 Eastwood revealed that the actor had trained for over a year in motocross and skydiving to perform the stunt, which involved more than 500 skydives and 13,000 motocross jumps. Caroline Frost, Deadline, 25 May 2025 And even amidst all these obstacles, Stark Future has succeeded in creating a solid presence in the market, in a category as niche as motocross. New Atlas, 23 May 2025 The design eliminates bulky shoulder pads and black accents, creating a sleek silhouette reminiscent of motocross or ski outfits. Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for motocross

Word History

Etymology

motocross borrowed from French, from moto "motorcycle" (short for motocyclette) + cross-country "racecourse laid out over open country" (borrowed from English cross-country entry 1); motorcross altered from motocross by conformation to motor entry 1

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of motocross was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Motocross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motocross. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

motocross

noun
mo·​to·​cross ˈmōt-ō-ˌkrȯs How to pronounce motocross (audio)
: a motorcycle race over a course laid out on rough terrain
also : the sport of motocross racing

More from Merriam-Webster on motocross

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