motto

noun mot·to \ ˈmä-(ˌ)tō \

Definition of motto

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.

See motto defined for English-language learners

See motto defined for kids

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 of motto from the Web

The best housing on the block’ is our motto in the affordable-housing industry.

— julia herbst, Los Angeles Magazine, "11 Women Who Are Making L.A. a Better Place," 17 Aug. 2017
What's your style philosophy or motto: Know the occasion.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Anthem sales director makes bold statement with fashion," 20 July 2017
Re-launched in the late-90s by Volkswagen, the Bugatti name traces its history to Ettore Bugatti who over a century ago built cars under the motto that no car could be too beautiful or too expensive.

— CBS News, "How does a $3 million car look, sound and drive?," 14 July 2017
A decades-old city motto has been revived in Imperial Beach with the creation of a large gray whale mural on the side of a local business at the gateway to the city.

— allison sampite-montecalvo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Historic whale makes new splash in Imperial Beach," 11 July 2017
What's your style philosophy or motto: Dress like a boss every day.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Fashion feeds Mayan Cafe owner's need for innovation," 6 July 2017
What's your style philosophy or motto: Style is an outward expression of self.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Minimalistic entrepreneur says style is 'outward expression of self'," 29 June 2017
One should live by this motto: I was not born to one little corner—

— kyle chayka, New Republic, "Can Monocle's globalist chic survive in an age of populism?," 27 June 2017
This is a motto, but also the true way people work here.

— Fortune, "Vynamic," 27 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'motto.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of motto

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

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MOTTO Defined for English Language Learners

motto

noun

Definition of motto for English Language Learners

: a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule guiding the behavior of a particular person or group

MOTTO Defined for Kids

motto

noun mot·to \ ˈmä-tō \

Definition of motto for Students

plural mottoes

1 :a 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

The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.”

Learn More about motto

See words that rhyme with motto Spanish Central: Translation of motto Nglish: Translation of motto for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of motto for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motto

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motto

Definition of motto

Examples of motto in a Sentence

Recent Examples of motto from the Web

Origin and Etymology of motto

MOTTO Defined for English Language Learners

motto

Definition of motto for English Language Learners

MOTTO Defined for Kids

motto

Definition of motto for Students

Learn More about motto

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Origin and Etymology of motto

MOTTO Defined for English Language Learners

motto

Definition of motto for English Language Learners

MOTTO Defined for Kids

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Definition of motto for Students

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