mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə 

 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 

 also  ˈman-

 or  ˈmən-

adjective

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”

Recent Examples on the Web

Some focus on breathing, others on a visual image, mantra, or sound. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 4 Sep. 2025

All the while, a far-right President Mary Beth Cadwallader fans anti-reanimated sentiment with the mantra, Make America Safe Again. —Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025

The track has always resonated with Verlander, less of an anthem and more of a mantra. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025

These days, cost-cutting, risk management, and next quarter’s earnings dominate decision-making; risk-aversion is the new mantra. —Robert B. Tucker, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for mantra

• tantra