mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə 

 also  ˈman-,

 or  ˈmən-

: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation sense 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism)

also : watchword sense 2

"diversity" has become our multicultural mantra

—Manning Marable

mantric

ˈmän-trik 

 also  ˈman-

 or  ˈmən-

adjective

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”

Recent Examples on the Web

In his school classroom Hinds’s mantra is sankofa, the West African concept of fetching what is valuable from the past to feed the present and future. —Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025

The 6 God took to Instagram on Sunday to let fans in on his mantra to close out 2025. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 20 Oct. 2025

Giving consumers more choice and flexibility is their new mantra. —Tribune News Service, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025

This mantra also has shaped his approach to risk-taking. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind — more at mind

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mantra

• tantra