mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə How to pronounce mantra (audio)
 also  ˈman-,
 or  ˈmən-
: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation sense 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism)
also : watchword sense 2
"diversity" has become our multicultural mantra Manning Marable
mantric
ˈmän-trik How to pronounce mantra (audio)
 also  ˈman-
 or  ˈmən-
adjective

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And beyond products, her greatest confidence booster is her personal mantra. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025 Kerry McGawley, a professor and senior sports physiologist at the performance optimization company Orreco, recalls the pithy mantra recited to her by a professional Swedish cross-country skier more than a decade ago. Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 His mantra is that Maddy is always correct. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 2 Oct. 2025 Like a mantra to keep me grounded. Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mantra

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 above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantra was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantra. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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