catch phrase
Americannoun
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a phrase that attracts or is meant to attract attention.
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a phrase, as a slogan, that comes to be widely and repeatedly used, often with little of the original meaning remaining.
noun
Etymology
Origin of catch phrase
First recorded in 1840–50; catch(word) + phrase
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Latin phrase ad astra per aspera translates as “to the stars through difficulties.”
From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026
In response, Rubio called Rasool "PERSONA NON GRATA," referencing the Latin phrase for "unwelcome person".
From BBC • Mar. 14, 2025
He decided to make a podcast about spirituality and death called “The Adventures of Memento Mori,” referring to the Latin phrase: “Remember you must die.”
From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2024
Melwani said, invoking a Latin phrase that means the voice of the people is the voice of God, and saying the company would revert the properties to retail.
From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2023
AS YOU MAY KNOW, “ALMA MATER” is a Latin phrase that means “nourishing mother.”
From "The Unseen Guest" by Maryrose Wood
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.