mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə 

also ˈman-

or ˈmən-

1

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

2

: a word or phrase that is repeated often or expresses the beliefs of a person or group : 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

Continue reading … 'NOT SUBTLE' – Obama warns Vance is pushing 'blood and soil' version of 'We the People' mantra. — FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Venables said rhetorically, asked of a Sooners’ mantra that carried over from last season. — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 20 July 2026

Sometimes the best outfits are the ones that don’t require careful planning and styling — a mantra my mom implements on vacation and for her everyday work outfits. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Few high-profile managers embraced the ‘suffering’ mantra to the same degree as Italian coach Antonio Conte. — Colin Millar, New York Times, 19 July 2026

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 at sense 1

Rhymes for mantra

• tantra