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
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
Chargers What Jim Harbaugh saw on film to change coach’s opinion of Chargers’ loss to Cardinals
Oct. 23, 2024
Other coaches could lose their players through meandering mottos.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for motto 
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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
Chargers What Jim Harbaugh saw on film to change coach’s opinion of Chargers’ loss to Cardinals
Oct. 23, 2024
Other coaches could lose their players through meandering mottos.
—Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 25 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 25 Nov. 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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