Definition of motto
mottoes
alsomottos
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.
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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
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The motto today was ‘to give hope to the families.’
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After adopting that motto, the Blue Raiders football team improved from 1-9 to 3-7 last season.
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Lovelady has had the motto of getting better every day.
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A motto is like a mission statement, explaining the purpose of a great house, or city or nation.
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Jenner said Wednesday, including the MAC motto in her social media missive.
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The Coast Guard’s motto is semper paratus, always ready, but in 1941 peace-loving America was minime paratus, very little prepared, even though Europe had been at war for over two years and Japan for more than four.
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Perseverance has been the motto at Walnut Grove this season.
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The motto that Hield lives by is not found on any N.C.A.A. tournament T-shirt.
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
First Known Use: 15th century
MOTTO Defined for English Language Learners
motto
playDefinition of motto for English Language Learners
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: a short sentence or phrase that expresses a rule guiding the behavior of a particular person or group
MOTTO Defined for Kids
motto
playDefinition of motto for Students
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
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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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