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

Well, yes, because in the movies, originally Jigsaw has that mantra about having that will to survive to be able to live. — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026

And Notre Dame looked like a team capable of following its offseason mantra. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 7 Sep. 2026

The goddess Gayatri, a divine manifestation of the Gayatri mantra, is described in the Mahanarayana Upanishad as having five heads, along with three feet, six abdominal sections, and 24 syllables. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

That might be due to grit, stamina—or a little psychological trick called a coping mantra. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 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