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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the scriptures of ancient India, the OM is considered the most powerful of all the mantras. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 27 Feb. 2025 He was created at the height of the Cold War, long before gender equality was a mantra. Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 26 Feb. 2025 This is once again the Democratic Party mantra that the wealthy always have a greed motive in mind. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2025 These swift reactions represent a false binary between 1980s-style mantras focused on growth regardless of the consequences and a forward-looking approach that integrates social and environmental considerations to enhance performance, particularly over the long term. The Sorenson Impact Institute, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mantra

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantra. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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