motto

mot·to | \ ˈmä-(ˌ)tō

\

plural mottoes also mottos

Definition of motto

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 But the motto pushed by the Buckeyes lately isn’t #scheme. — Doug Lesmerises, cleveland, "Ohio State assistant Al Washington showed with a sideline hug what Michigan lost and the Buckeyes gained," 25 Nov. 2019 The same motto is the Braves’ official hashtag on Twitter. — Maria Torres, Los Angeles Times, "Braves cut back on ‘tomahawk chop’ after Cardinals pitcher Ryan Helsley complains," 9 Oct. 2019 Back at [previous office] there was more of a motto of getting the work done in the time needed and then go home. — Rachel Morrison, Quartz at Work, "How open-plan offices work against women," 9 Oct. 2019 Their motto is all are welcome at the dining hall that’s open to the community. — Vincent T. Davis, ExpressNews.com, "Downtown San Antonio church turns after-concert luncheon into ministry," 12 Nov. 2019 That is the longstanding motto for CBS’ reality show Big Brother, currently in its 21st season (along with an additional season for CBS All Access and two celebrity installments). — Dalton Ross, EW.com, "Dan's funeral: An oral history of the greatest Big Brother moment ever," 29 Aug. 2019 For many, this sentiment is the unofficial motto of Jamaica. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "Black Travel Vibes: Feel Irie On An Escape To Jamaica," 29 Aug. 2019 Molon labe is the motto of multiple military units, most notably the United States Special Operations Command Central. — Myke Cole, The New Republic, "The Sparta Fetish Is a Cultural Cancer," 1 Aug. 2019 The motto soon could become more common in Alabama schools, Al.com reported, with legal challenges expected to follow. — Frank Miles, Fox News, "Alabama public schools may soon add 'In God We Trust' displays," 12 Aug. 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.