mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə How to pronounce mantra (audio)
 also  ˈman-,
 or  ˈmən-
: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation sense 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism)
also : watchword sense 2
"diversity" has become our multicultural mantra Manning Marable
mantric
ˈmän-trik How to pronounce mantra (audio)
 also  ˈman-
 or  ˈmən-
adjective

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”
Recent Examples on the Web When the illusion of family is shattered, employees that are left start to question all facets of the organizational mantra. Pam Cohen, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 In defiance of this mantra, Fox Solomon lets the self-portraits in her book starkly convey the brutality of aging. Christina Cacouris, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2024 The weight-doesn’t-matter mantra lets manufacturers off the hook, giving them carte blanche to keep cranking out burdensome behemoths. Dario Digiulio, Outside Online, 24 Sep. 2024 Reid’s forthright response echoed Marshawn Lynch’s mantra from his memorable turn at a Super Bowl XLIX media scrum. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for mantra 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mantra.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind — more at mind

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantra was in 1795

Dictionary Entries Near mantra

Cite this Entry

“Mantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantra. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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