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

Before that there had been three mottoes, all traditional rather than official. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2025

The motto was introduced at the Dachau concentration camp in 1933 and was quickly adopted by other Nazi camps including Auschwitz. —Kate Reilly, NBC news, 1 Nov. 2025

Nike’s new slogan is the perfect motto for an anxious America. —FOXNews.com, 30 Oct. 2025

My motto will be to seek first to understand before making decisions. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for motto

• auto
• dato
• erato
• vibrato
• yamato
• moderato
• pizzicato

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