'autocross' originates from a compound of 'auto' and 'cross'. 'auto' ultimately comes from Greek 'autós' (via Latin/French 'automobile' usage) where 'autós' meant 'self', and 'cross' comes from Old English/French roots meaning 'cross' or 'crossing'.

'autocross' was formed in 20th-century English as a compound combining the prefix 'auto-' (from 'automobile') with 'cross' to describe a short, crossing-style course for cars; it developed as a name for a specific timed handling event in club motorsport (especially in the US and UK).

Initially formed simply as a compound referring to a 'car cross' or a course for automobiles, it evolved into the current specialized meaning of a timed, cone-marked handling competition emphasizing precision and handling.