Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

motto

noun mot·to \ ˈmä-(ˌ)tō \
|Updated on: 6 Jul 2018
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

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

  2. The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.”

Recent Examples of motto from the Web

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

MOTTO Defined for English Language Learners

motto

noun

  • : 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 \
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

  1. 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

Seen and Heard

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

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

WORD OF THE DAY

vouchsafe

play

to grant as a privilege or special favor

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. socialism 'a way of organizing a society in which major industries are owned and controlled by the government'

  2. uphold 'to let stand'

  3. due process 'a course of formal proceedings (as judicial proceedings)'

  4. asylum 'protection from arrest and extradition given especially to political refugees'

  5. insubordinate 'disobedient to authority'

SEE ALL

BROWSE DICTIONARY

motto

Test Your Vocabulary

Obscure Shapes

  • a-pile-of-three-dimensional-shapes-in-green
  • Something that is ooid is shaped like:
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

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

TAKE THE QUIZ

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