motto

noun

mot·​to ˈmä-(ˌ)tō 

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

My skin care motto is: the simpler (and quicker!), the better. —Abbey Stone, SELF, 29 Nov. 2024

How, in your opinion, should Arizonans who value the environment and the Girl Scout motto be thinking about what lies ahead politically for climate action right now? —Joan Meiners, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024

The spin on Trump’s MAGA motto was quickly turned into a super PAC (MAHA Alliance) and a nonprofit organization (MAHA Action), both helmed by Del Bigtree, a former Kennedy campaign communications director and head of another anti-vaccine group, the Informed Consent Action Network. —Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

No wonder Zed’s motto is Rebel Against the Ordinary. —Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Late Latin muttum grunt, from Latin muttire to mutter

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids 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