plural mots ˈmō(z) How to pronounce mot (audio)
: a pithy or witty saying

Word History

Etymology

French, word, saying, from Old French, from Late Latin muttum grunt — more at motto

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mot was in 1813

Dictionary Entries Near mot

Cite this Entry

“Mot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mot. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on mot

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!