motto

noun

mot·​to ˈmä-(ˌ)tō 

plural mottoes also mottos

1

: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use

"The Crossroads of America" is the motto of the state of Indiana.

2

: a short expression of a guiding principle

"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst" is my motto.

Examples of motto in a Sentence

“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst” is my motto.

The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.”

Recent Examples on the Web

Ben Johnson — with intellect, a bare chest and a cheesy motto from high school football — has revived the Bears in his first season as their coach. —Adam Kilgore, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2026

It has been edited with Charli xcx’s Brat font, used in ethereal vlog montages, and has generally become a motto in the new year. —Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

What is your motto or philosophy of life? —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

Our motto is always to try to do something that no one’s ever done before. —Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for motto

• auto
• dato
• erato
• vibrato
• yamato
• moderato
• pizzicato

Kids Definition

motto

noun

mot·​to ˈmät-ō 

plural mottoes also mottos

1

: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something (as a coin or public building) to suggest its use or nature

2

: a short expression of a guiding rule of conduct