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

Mazda has endeavored to follow that mantra over the last 35 years, and although the third generation, launched in 2005, did put on weight, the 4th generation ‘ND’ model went on a diet and reverted back towards the original model’s 1000 kg (2200 lb) mark. —Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025

That mantra drove him to block so many kicks as a member of UCLA’s scout team that Ikaika Malloe, then the Bruins’ special teams coordinator, promoted him to all four special teams units. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 25 Apr. 2025

Taking such a big leap can still feel intimidating at first, but working on mental tools like mantras can give you a boost. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 25 Apr. 2025

Opt for Fresh Food Over Processed, Packaged Foods Dr. Monica Christmas, associate medical director of The Menopause Society, quotes Michael Polan’s mantra: Eat food. —Denise Maher, Flow Space, 21 Apr. 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