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

Viewers of that great police procedural TV show Blue Lights about three probationary officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the senior officers who train them will immediately recognize that line as the guiding mantra of Gerry Cliff. —Glenn Kurlander, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026

The production reimagines the titular character as Alice, a novelist who despises hollow contemporary mantras and faces backlash for speaking her mind. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Jan. 2026

The spa has exclusive partnerships with EviDenS de Beauté, Swissline and Ground Wellbeing for its skincare treatments, and relaxation rooms come with cozy terraces and a selection of books covering everything from menopause to daily mantras. —Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026

In the midst of a stretch when the Patriots were scheduled for — and won — three straight road games, a mantra stuck. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 22 Jan. 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