Main Entry: mot·to

Pronunciation: \ˈmä-(ˌ)tō\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural mottoes also mottos

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

Date: 15th century

1 : a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use
2 : a short expression of a guiding principle