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

Everything at Indiana continues to show up again and again like a metronome of consistency, their mantra so ingrained even the university president sings the same tune. —Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 10 Jan. 2026

The question has become college football’s mantra at the end of each year. —Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

Children as young as 3 or 4 can benefit from setting simple mantras for the year ahead, according to Erika Chiappini, PhD, child and adolescent psychologist at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 5 Jan. 2026

The mantra is to keep the historic site’s unique features as intact as possible, both obvious and more subtle. —Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 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