motocross: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (Sports)
Quick answer
What does “motocross” mean?
A form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed, rough-terrain circuits with jumps and obstacles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed, rough-terrain circuits with jumps and obstacles.
The sport of motocross itself, its associated culture, and the modified motorcycles used for it. Also used more generally to refer to the concept or style of rough-terrain motorcycle riding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling and core meaning are identical. The primary difference is in associated vocabulary (e.g., 'lorry' vs 'truck' used in commentary).
Connotations
Similar connotations in both variants: extreme sport, mud, jumps, motorbikes. Slightly more associated with purpose-built tracks in the UK, while in the US it can also evoke vast, open desert racing (though that's more specifically 'desert racing' or 'off-road').
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties due to the global nature of the sport.
Grammar
How to Use “motocross” in a Sentence
[SUBJ] + rides/competes in + motocross[SUBJ] + is a + motocross + rider/racerThe + motocross + event/track/championshipVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “motocross” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He motocrosses every weekend at a track in Wales.
- I'd love to try motocrossing.
American English
- He motocrosses professionally on the AMA circuit.
- They spent the summer motocrossing in the desert.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb. Typically part of a compound adjective.)
American English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb. Typically part of a compound adjective.)
adjective
British English
- He's a top motocross rider.
- They sell motocross parts online.
American English
- She bought new motocross boots.
- The motocross track is open to the public.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the industry of manufacturing motocross bikes, gear, and organising events (e.g., 'The motocross market saw a 10% growth.')
Academic
Rare, except in sports science, sociology of sport, or engineering papers focusing on vehicle design or athlete performance.
Everyday
Used conversationally to discuss hobbies, sports on TV, or weekend activities (e.g., 'My son is into motocross.')
Technical
Precise reference to the sport, its classes (e.g., 250cc motocross), bike specifications, and competition rules.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “motocross”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “motocross”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “motocross”
- Spelling: 'motorcross' (incorrect addition of 'r'), 'moto-cross' (hyphenated form is archaic). Grammatical: Using as a countable noun for an event ('a motocross') is less common; usually 'a motocross race/event'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Motocross is high-intensity racing on short, closed circuits with jumps. Enduro is long-distance, cross-country endurance racing over varied terrain, often on trails.
Yes, informally. For example, 'He motocrosses every weekend.' However, phrases like 'rides motocross' or 'competes in motocross' are more common.
A motocross bike is a specific type of competition-oriented dirt bike, built for closed-course racing with high-performance suspension, engines, and lightweight frames. A general dirt bike might be more suited for trail riding.
'MX' is the common abbreviation for motocross, used in event names (e.g., FIM MXGP), bike model designations (e.g., Honda CRF450R motocross bike), and gear branding.
A form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed, rough-terrain circuits with jumps and obstacles.
Motocross is usually informal, technical (sports) in register.
Motocross: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊ.təʊ.krɒs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊ.ṭoʊ.krɔːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “eat my dust (common motocross taunt)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a motor crossing a field: MOTOR + CROSS = MOTOCROSS.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTROL IS MASTERY (mastering the chaotic track), NATURE IS AN OBSTACLE COURSE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate definition of 'motocross'?