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
To charge forward and to never settle was the motto.
—
Edward Segarra, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
Aged between 16 and 20, the young men form the first group launched by BIGHIT MUSIC in six years – after TXT in 2019 and BTS in 2013 – with the motto of being a creative team and self-producing.
—Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
Sticking to this motto helped Cribs walk the line between being relatable and aspirational—an effort that, 25 years later, in an era of hyper-wealth on television, seems almost quaint.
—Kim Hew-Low, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Before that there had been three mottoes, all traditional rather than official.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motto
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Edward Segarra, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
Aged between 16 and 20, the young men form the first group launched by BIGHIT MUSIC in six years – after TXT in 2019 and BTS in 2013 – with the motto of being a creative team and self-producing.
—Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 17 Nov. 2025
Sticking to this motto helped Cribs walk the line between being relatable and aspirational—an effort that, 25 years later, in an era of hyper-wealth on television, seems almost quaint.
—Kim Hew-Low, The Atlantic, 10 Nov. 2025
Before that there had been three mottoes, all traditional rather than official.
—Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 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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