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

Still, their motto holds firm: Nothing but the Best. —Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025

She’s got so many mottos, so many mantras, so many things to say about the zodiac. —Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

Their motto is gambler’s slang for risking it all in one effort to win big. —Kurt Snibbe, Oc Register, 3 Apr. 2025

But as the man who lived the city’s motto, ‘Out of Darkness Cometh Light’, his god-like aura shines as brightly as ever. —Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Mar. 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