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 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 Continuing our motto of unity through music, the festival will be an unforgettable experience for our ever-growing community. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 27 Feb. 2024 That chilling mantra, expressed a decade ago by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, has since become the terrorist outfit’s unofficial motto. Noah Rothman, National Review, 27 Feb. 2024 The pace of change In the woods at Fort Johnson, an Army post in western Louisiana, American troops inspired by the lessons of Ukraine have a motto: Dig or die. Alex Horton, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 This sector, an elitist enclave since the early 1990s, sought a new motto to represent fresh strategies of engaging with customers, merging geography, economy, and design. Molly Peck, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024 There’s a simple motto that Kutić follows to line up a strong team in the billion-dollar company. Byprarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 20 Jan. 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 18 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
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