Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

moto

noun
mo·to | \ ˈmōt(ˌ)ō , ˈmō(ˌ)tō \
plural -s

Definition of moto 

(Entry 1 of 2)

: movement with regard to musical tempo

moto-

combining form

Definition of moto- (Entry 2 of 2)

: motion : motor motofacient motoneuron

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for moto

Noun

Italian, movement, motion, from Latin motus, from motus, past participle of movēre to move

Combining form

motion & motor

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about moto

Dictionary Entries near moto

motmot blue

motmot green

moto-

moto

motocross

Moton

motoneuron

Statistics for moto

Look-up Popularity

More from Merriam-Webster on moto

Spanish Central: Translation of moto

Comments on moto

What made you want to look up moto? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

panoply

a magnificent or impressive array

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Musical Words Quiz

  • gramophone
  • Which word describes a musical performance marked by the absence of instrumental accompaniment?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. Spartan Red Cross Warns of Shelter Conditions

  2. hirsute RIP Burt Reynolds

  3. op-ed NYT Publishes Anonymous Piece

  4. collegiality Kavanaugh Mentions Word in Hearing

  5. mistrial Manafort Guilty on 8 Counts

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games