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

With charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent — to borrow RuPaul’s mantra (the lipsynch-for-your-lifeboats number is a highlight) — the comic ensemble makes the gags work by sheer will. —Frank Rizzo, Variety, 13 Apr. 2026

Whereas manufacturers like Can-Am and Polaris style their side-by-sides more aggressively, Kubota follows the mantra of Keep It Simple Stupid. —Caleb Jacobs, The Drive, 8 Apr. 2026

But Illig’s mantra is such an important part of Sporting KC’s culture that those words adorn a wall inside one of the team’s conference rooms. —Pete Grathoff april 8, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

In the middle of the mantra, the priest took a call on his cell phone, somewhat shattering the weight of the moment. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 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