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

This mantra also has shaped his approach to risk-taking. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025

Especially with that ‘Keep Pounding’ mantra. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025

And beyond products, her greatest confidence booster is her personal mantra. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025

Kerry McGawley, a professor and senior sports physiologist at the performance optimization company Orreco, recalls the pithy mantra recited to her by a professional Swedish cross-country skier more than a decade ago. —Megan Feringa, New York Times, 10 Oct. 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