motto

noun

mot·​to ˈmä-(ˌ)tō 

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

Consistency over intensity is the Pvolve motto. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2025

Overall, the kids bought into that motto of unfinished business. —Dan Albano, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025

That has always been my motto — that Panama is going to shine. —Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025

Another theme Le Goy touched on during the panel, which is fast emerging as a motto of this year’s market, is aggregation as opposed to cannibalization. —K.j. Yossman, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for motto

• auto
• dato
• erato
• vibrato
• yamato
• moderato
• pizzicato

Kids Definition

motto

noun

mot·​to ˈmät-ō 

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