motorsport

noun

mo·​tor·​sport ˈmō-tər-ˌspȯrt 

plural motorsports

: any of several sports involving the racing or competitive driving of motor vehicles

… is generally nuts about any kind of car and all sorts of motorsports.

—Larry Griffin, Car and Driver, February 1983

—often used before another noun

motorsports events

Attendance at Winston Cup stock car races has been rising annually every year since 1982 … . Total attendance at 13 major motorsport series, including Indy cars, was 15.4 million last year, up 7.9% from 1994.

—Jean Halliday, Advertising Age, 30 June 1997

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now