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.
Jason was also into dirt bikes, taking up motocross at 10 and racing on the amateur level in England. Emily Krauser, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025 Two years ago, Fox Racing bridged the worlds of fashion and motocross with a capsule collection helmed by Rag & Bone. Marissa Muller, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025 The games, which include skateboarding, BMX and motocross, had been based in the Southland since 2021. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024 Rodriguez has been in a relationship with Ronaldo since 2016, and the two share a love of motocross. Mikelle Street, WWD, 18 Feb. 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 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

motocross

noun
: a motorcycle race over a course laid out on rough terrain
also : the sport of motocross racing

More from Merriam-Webster on motocross

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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