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

The same motto was in used in Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday when President Volodymyr Zelensky met Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who promised to accelerate Ukraine’s path to EU membership. —Clare Sebastian, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025

Go hard or go home was Dalin’s motto during his record-smashing run. —George Allen, Robb Report, 15 Jan. 2025

More than a decade after Friday Night Lights ended, Coach Taylor’s iconic motto still strikes a chord with Kyle Chandler. —John Russell, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Sharing the ball was the motto of the night for the Broncos. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 8 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

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