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

Heads of State is solely interested in burning the whole thing down, doing its stars no service, and letting the explosions and gunplay take center stage in a movie where action-to-the-max is our filmmaker’s mantra. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 June 2025

The residences are surrounded by fortified rock and protected by layers of biometric security, tactical mantras and SCIF-compliant spaces for total privacy. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 27 June 2025

While this mantra may sound efficient on paper, its implications for employees are far from empowering. —Glenn Llopis, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

On social media, there’s a certain kind of influencer who specializes in attracting lonely, unhappy people by brandishing mantras and principles that will allegedly lead them to more fulfilled and successful lives. —Jia Tolentino, New Yorker, 23 June 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