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

Local voices with national scale is our mantra, mirroring the way the biggest teams and athletes have become national icons. —Kelli Turner, Sportico.com, 25 May 2026

The mantra clicked for Vesia in his first season with the Dodgers. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026

Before McCain’s post-deadline return to Philadelphia on March 23, Presti texted him a vintage Bruce Lee video in which the legendary martial artist detailed one of his old mantras. —Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 23 May 2026

Taiwan will be the first major test of Xi’s new mantra. —Andy Browne, semafor.com, 19 May 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