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

The mantra refers to mahjong, a 19th century Chinese tile game that has long been popular in the Asian diaspora, along with an American version established in Jewish communities. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 19 Sep. 2026

His life mantra is based on a story his partner once told him about stylist Law Roach rushing to get Céline Dion ready, fastening and strapping and trying to make everything happen at once. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 19 Sep. 2026

Couldn’t get a first down, and our mantra is try to get two first downs. — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026

For years, Connecticut’s position atop the list of states with the priciest electric bills has served as an election-year mantra for Republicans and other critics of the state’s climate-conscious energy strategy. — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 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