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
That seems to be the motto for Paramount Global and its investors.
—
Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 June 2024
Keeping the Ultimate Driving Machine motto alive, the BMW i4 Gran Coupe is very impressive in that its price range is accurate for most consumers in this market and the exterior appeal really is an eye catcher.
—Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2024
In mid-May, Minnesota raised its new flag over the state Capitol, featuring the North Star for Minnesota's motto, dark blue to represent the state's shape and light blue for its many lakes.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 30 May 2024
The motto for the Knicks this season has remained the same: next man up.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for motto 
Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 June 2024
Keeping the Ultimate Driving Machine motto alive, the BMW i4 Gran Coupe is very impressive in that its price range is accurate for most consumers in this market and the exterior appeal really is an eye catcher.
—Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2024
In mid-May, Minnesota raised its new flag over the state Capitol, featuring the North Star for Minnesota's motto, dark blue to represent the state's shape and light blue for its many lakes.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 30 May 2024
The motto for the Knicks this season has remained the same: next man up.
—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 9 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for motto
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motto.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near motto
Cite this Entry
“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motto. Accessed 20 Jun. 2024.
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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