mantra

noun man·tra \ ˈmän-trə also ˈman- or ˈmən- \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of mantra

: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism); also : watchword 2

"diversity" has become our multicultural mantra
—Manning Marable

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mantric

play \-trik\ adjective

See mantra defined for English-language learners

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”

Recent Examples of mantra from the Web

Shooting to kill is a tactic that has long been rumored to be a mantra of officers across the country.

— michael harriot, The Root, "Sheriff of America’s Deadliest Police Force Caught on Camera Admitting Killing Suspects Is ‘Better Financially’," 10 Apr. 2018
That motto or mantra that is mined from all of your experience that no one else can adopt.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes April 9–15," 7 Apr. 2018
That has been the mantra through the first week of spring drills, which continue Tuesday.

— shandel richardson, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Florida Atlantic moves past last year's breakthrough season," 26 Mar. 2018
Bundle up will be the mantra for Chicago-area parade watchers this St. Patrick's Day.

— tom skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Chilly St. Patrick's Day could have wintry start," 17 Mar. 2018
Nothing fundamentally had changed -- that was the mantra.

— sarah ponczek, Bloomberg.com, "Stock Forecasters Who Held Fast During the Rout Look Wiser Now," 22 Feb. 2018
That appears to be the mantra Banister will impress upon the team this season.

— jeff wilson, star-telegram, "One Texas? Rangers to learn it, live it, love it," 20 Feb. 2018
There’s been no explicit explanation, but cleansing risk from financial markets has been a government mantra for more than two years.

— Fortune, "This Is How China Is Stifling Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies," 17 Jan. 2018
That's Spoelstra's mantra now, and an even more intense devotion to his health is helping.

— USA TODAY, "On Erik Spoelstra's mind these days: A berth, and a birth," 12 Jan. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mantra.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of mantra

Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind — more at mind

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1795

See Words from the same year

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan

MANTRA Defined for English Language Learners

mantra

noun

Definition of mantra for English Language Learners

: a sound, word, or phrase that is repeated by someone who is praying or meditating
: a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone's basic beliefs