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

What the 1956 motto does best is embolden pastors and politicians who repeat the tired myth that the United States is a Christian nation. —David Williamson, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 June 2026

The campaign motto, Her Şey Çok Güzel Olacak (Everything will be fine) now sounded sad. —Kaya Genç, The Dial, 9 June 2026

The motto has afforded them a 13-game postseason win streak as the NBA Finals swings to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4. —Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 8 June 2026

My motto actually comes from coming up in restaurant world. —Emily Elias, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026

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