motto

noun mot·to \ ˈmä-(ˌ)tō \

Updated on: 14 Apr 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

“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

That might end up being two mottos for the Tigers' rebuild.

— george sipple, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers' can't figure out Corey Kluber in loss to Indians," 9 Apr. 2018
That motto or mantra that is mined from all of your experience that no one else can adopt.

— bess matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes April 9–15," 7 Apr. 2018
This is Camp Catchphrase, where the mottos come at you in swarms, like mosquitoes.

— marcus hayes, Philly.com, "Gabe Kapler's 'bold' messaging is what Phillies need | Marcus Hayes," 23 Mar. 2018
Each one is adorned with the feathered badge of Charles, Prince of Wales, which depicts three ostrich plumes emerging from a crown with the motto ich dien in a banner beneath.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "The Poignant Symbolism in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Invitations," 22 Mar. 2018
Perhaps that can become the motto for designers and developers of new rental communities in the US.

— The Christian Science Monitor, "A prize for dwellings that connect," 12 Mar. 2018
Our motto this week is, four hoops games on Friday beats a day at the beach.

— tom krasovic, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Even without Arizona and Ayton, March Madness suits San Diego," 14 Mar. 2018
Going into the 2015-16 season, Kurka modified his motto.

— beth bragg, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska’s Kurka heads into Paralympics with medals on his mind," 8 Mar. 2018
That’s the motto Dell seems to be living by with its newest incarnation of the XPS 13.

— lisa eadicicco, Time, "Review: The XPS 13 Is My Favorite Windows Laptop. It Just Got Even Better," 12 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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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

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

Examples of motto in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of motto

MOTTO Defined for English Language Learners

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