motocross

noun

mo·​to·​cross ˈmō-tō-ˌkrȯs 

variants or less commonly motorcross

ˈmō-tər-ˌkrȯs 

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

Between the Oklahoma State orange, the flat brim, the motocross background and the way fans gravitated toward him, Fowler quickly became one of the most recognizable and most popular players on the PGA Tour. —Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026

The New England Sports Committee, the oldest and largest motocross organization in the region, is mourning Mechaconis’ death and reflecting on how the teenager won three championships in its spring series last year. —Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 4 May 2026

The evening’s entertainment also includes a high-flying Freestyle MX motocross exhibition, a car show and live music. —Jan Wagner, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Dev Ayesa — still on Mars, still planning big, still stubborn as hell, and newly swole, per the opening montage — wins the prize for best graduation gift in a walk by giving Alex a superfast Mars motocross-style bike. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for motocross

• albatross
• applesauce
• barabbas
• helios
• kshatriyas
• menelaus
• across
• backcross
• crisscross
• lacrosse
• recross
• tomas

Kids Definition

motocross

noun

mo·​to·​cross ˈmōt-ō-ˌkrȯs 

: a motorcycle race over a course laid out on rough terrain

also : the sport of motocross racing