BMX

American  

abbreviation

Sports.

1. bicycle motocross: a bicycle race over a rough cross-country course, usually consisting of jumps, obstacles, and turns.

2. a bicycle used in such a race or for recreational riding and stunts.

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BMX British  

abbreviation

1. bicycle motocross; stunt riding on rough ground or over an obstacle course on a bicycle

2. a bicycle designed for bicycle motocross

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Usage

What does BMX mean? BMX stands for bicycle motocross, the sport in which cyclists race through a winding course with hills and jumps. The abbreviation is far more commonly used.As its name implies, it is a nonmotorized, bicycle version of the sport known as motocross (sometimes abbreviated as MX), in which riders race on dirt courses with specialized motorcycles (popularly known as dirt bikes).The sport of BMX is sometimes known as BMX racing, which is what the event is called in the Summer Olympic Games.BMX can also refer to the kind of bike (commonly called a BMX bike) used in the sport, which typically has a smaller frame and smaller wheels compared to mountain bikes and the kind of road bikes used in cycling.There are many other competitive events in which BMX bikes are used, including trick-based competitions such BMX freestyle, which is held on street- or park-style courses with ramps, rails, and other obstacles. Other events are held on half-pipes or ramps. Such events are known for being a part of the X Games, a competition featuring multiple extreme sports events. BMX freestyle became an event at the Summer Olympics for the first time in 2021.Example: BMX racing is known for its frantic pace and the big air that racers get off the jumps.

Etymology

Origin of BMX

First recorded in 1975–80; initialism

Example Sentences

Asked to describe the sport in which he is a double world champion, Tomas Woods has it down to an elevator pitch: "It's basically BMX in a wheelchair."

From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025

The council said there had been a BMX track there since the 1980s.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2025

The games, which include skateboarding, BMX and motocross, had been based in the Southland since 2021.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2024

Sir Chris, who was first inspired to take up cycling by the famous BMX scenes in the film E.T., had won six Olympic, 11 world and 43 World Cup titles by the time he retired.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2024

“I know it’s not much to look at. Dad used to call it my ‘big girl’ bike, but I got a BMX for Christmas.

From "Hope Springs" by Jaime Berry