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

One of the earliest artifacts of what would become the independence movement is a teapot, produced in London circa 1766, emblazoned with the motto No Stamp Act. —Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025

And considering the varied richness of his pursuits, there may be no better motto. —Jazmine Hughes, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2025

The rallying cry from Shakespeare’s Henry V, ahead of the Battle of Agincourt, might as well be the motto of today’s artificial intelligence elites. —Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2025

According to the runway show's website, this year's event centered on reimagining a classic French motto. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 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