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

The 28-year-old was dressed, much like his other group members in red, black and white, pairing a cool motto jacket with sunglasses. — Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2026

That’s Lauren Carpenter’s motto about the California State Fair’s cannabis consumption area at Cal Expo. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026

Go big or go home was clearly the motto for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s inaugural halftime show. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 19 July 2026

In June 1999, Manze told Variety the motto sprang from a promo group meeting. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 15 July 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