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

His time in the US Army Special Forces cemented his duty of care, a life mission that comes from the Green Berets’ motto: De Oppresso Liber (‘to free the oppressed’). —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2025

That is the motto of your presidency: the best and the brightest, the most intelligent, coming into these spaces. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025

The family motto is Don’t Trust Anyone, so Nadia has nowhere to turn. —Sandra Dallas, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025

This tagline was introduced in 2024 as part of a brand transformation for the company and Mazda has the long standing motto, Zoom-Zoom; which is being revived for 2025. —Tony Leopardo, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 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