motto

noun

mot·​to ˈmä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce motto (audio)
plural mottoes also mottos
1
: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use
"The Crossroads of America" is the motto of the state of Indiana.
2
: a short expression of a guiding principle
"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst" is my motto.

Examples of motto in a Sentence

“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst” is my motto. The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.”
Recent Examples on the Web My seven-year-old self quickly learned that lesson the hard way, and ever since then, my motto has always been happy feet, happy hiker. Katie Jackson, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2024 Opposed to working guys into the ground, his motto was work smarter, not harder. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 For example, a domain name that features your unique value proposition, motto, mantra or brand all have innate value. Michael Gargiulo, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 Going into each new season, the Cal State Fullerton dance team selects a team motto for the year ahead, a word or phrase designed to define, motivate and unify the Titans through months of rigorous practices and training to prepare for a single goal — a national championship. Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 8 Feb. 2024 Dent said speeding the other team up, turning them over and then running it back downhill is the Lobos' motto. Eric He, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 This seems to be the motto among celebrities, like Jessica Biel, Jennifer Aniston, and Sarah Jessica Parker, who have all carried crossbody bags recently. Jennifer Chan, Peoplemag, 11 Mar. 2024 Here’s how these Caribbean wellness experts in Nevis are using a local motto to remind us all how to slow down, take time and lean into self-care, island-style. Essence, 5 Mar. 2024 And always adhere to that famous wilderness motto: Take nothing but pictures. Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motto.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of motto was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near motto

Cite this Entry

“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motto. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

motto

noun
mot·​to ˈmät-ō How to pronounce motto (audio)
plural mottoes also mottos
1
: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something (as a coin or public building) to suggest its use or nature
2
: a short expression of a guiding rule of conduct
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!