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
The classic mother’s motto: Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
—
Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 14 May 2025
Carey’s motto is often that the item itself doesn’t change.
—Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 May 2025
The jacket also has the club motto Fino Alla Fine printed on it to demonstrate the club’s constant pursuit of excellence.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The secretary’s remarks echoed an earlier motto from Trump’s first administration, which pursued more moderate trade policies, and marked a departure in tone from just three weeks ago, when the president announced massive tariff increases on countries around the world.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motto
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Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 14 May 2025
Carey’s motto is often that the item itself doesn’t change.
—Brody Miller, New York Times, 13 May 2025
The jacket also has the club motto Fino Alla Fine printed on it to demonstrate the club’s constant pursuit of excellence.
—Vitas Carosella, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
The secretary’s remarks echoed an earlier motto from Trump’s first administration, which pursued more moderate trade policies, and marked a departure in tone from just three weeks ago, when the president announced massive tariff increases on countries around the world.
—Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motto
Cite this Entry
“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motto. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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