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.
Like a mantra to keep me grounded. Eli Sharabi, Time, 1 Oct. 2025 The rust mantra is wisely chanted when searching for a Karmann Ghia, and restoring one is as complicated as restoring any Porsche 356 from the period. Robert Ross, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2025 This mantra has drawn a different caliber of investors in recent years who can afford the nine-digit valuations. Asli Pelit, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2025 Mel Robbins has sold millions of books, built one of the world’s top podcasts, and promoted mantras for the goal-oriented and career-minded. Juhi Doshi, NBC news, 21 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mantra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!