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 spin on Trump’s MAGA motto was quickly turned into a super PAC (MAHA Alliance) and a nonprofit organization (MAHA Action), both helmed by Del Bigtree, a former Kennedy campaign communications director and head of another anti-vaccine group, the Informed Consent Action Network.
—
Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
No wonder Zed’s motto is Rebel Against the Ordinary.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
More than just a family motto or team chant, the expression has ascended to iconic status for many players who work in the Chargers’ $250-million training facility, soak in the sun’s rays during a fall practice and cool off with the gentle South Bay breeze.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
Vice President Harris's campaign motto is a new way forward.
—ABC News, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motto 
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Brandy Zadrozny, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024
No wonder Zed’s motto is Rebel Against the Ordinary.
—Leslie Kelly, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
More than just a family motto or team chant, the expression has ascended to iconic status for many players who work in the Chargers’ $250-million training facility, soak in the sun’s rays during a fall practice and cool off with the gentle South Bay breeze.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
Vice President Harris's campaign motto is a new way forward.
—ABC News, 13 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motto
Dictionary Entries Near motto
Cite this Entry
“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motto. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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