motto

[mot-oh]

noun

plural

mottoes, mottos 

1. a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.

2. a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.

motto

/ ˈmɒtəʊ /

noun

1. a short saying expressing the guiding maxim or ideal of a family, organization, etc, esp when part of a coat of arms

2. a short explanatory phrase inscribed on or attached to something

3. a verse or maxim contained in a paper cracker

4. a quotation prefacing a book or chapter of a book

5. a recurring musical phrase

Word History and Origins

Origin of motto¹

1580–90; < Italian < Late Latin muttum sound, utterance. See mot

Word History and Origins

Origin of motto¹

C16: via Italian from Latin muttum utterance

Example Sentences

One of my mottoes was “aliveness over prowess.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Our motto with Project Coffee Cup is, ‘Loving without prejudice,’ and we try not to have an opinion about anybody that we serve,” Baruch said.

From Los Angeles Times

Her motto is a hard practice makes an easy game.

From Los Angeles Times

“Our whole motto is always, ‘Be on the rise,’ ” Skipper said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Starting with me and the rest of the staff, we have to make sure we simplify things so guys can play full speed ahead and there’s less thinking. That’s kind of my whole motto.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adage 
• aphorism 
• maxim 
• rallying cry www.thesaurus.com