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

Ducati has doubled down on that mantra with even less weight and even more power, combined with your usual dash of Ducati technology. —New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2025

This has always been the Lions’ mantra — for better or worse. —Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025

Chesney stays grounded, grateful and faithful, in pursuit of the simple joys in life, living largely by the mantra of his memoir, . —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025

Founded by director Deon Taylor and producer Roxanne Avent Taylor, Hidden Empire’s mantra is that multi-cultural representation is good business. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 29 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 at sense 1

Rhymes for mantra

• tantra