motto
Americannoun
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a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.
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a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.
noun
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a short saying expressing the guiding maxim or ideal of a family, organization, etc, esp when part of a coat of arms
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a short explanatory phrase inscribed on or attached to something
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a verse or maxim contained in a paper cracker
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a quotation prefacing a book or chapter of a book
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a recurring musical phrase
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of motto
1580–90; < Italian < Late Latin muttum sound, utterance. See mot
Compare meaning
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Explanation
A motto is a slogan or favorite saying, like "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." A motto is something you might see on a t-shirt or bumper sticker — a short sentence or phrase that has meaning for that person. Some mottoes have to do with politics, religion, or another belief. Sometimes People write their motto on a large banner or sign so others can see it. President John F. Kennedy's motto was “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Mottoes are similar to proverbs, slogans, and catchphrases.
Vocabulary lists containing motto
"Rikki-Tikki-Tavi" by Rudyard Kipling
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Because of Winn-Dixie
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Divergent
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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.
With the hotel motto being “stay by your own rules,” Rudolph says it was important for them to make the rooms adaptable to each guest’s needs and to prioritize comfort.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026
"True to the motto of this city, I am going to do things differently," Andy Burnham declared, a reference to the film 24 Hour Party People.
From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026
Back in the museum, there’s a nearly blank wall on the ground floor marked “Hope and Change Lobby,” near a gift shop selling items emblazoned with that motto.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026
The country's official motto for 2026 is "Independent neutral Turkmenistan is the homeland of purposeful winged horses".
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
You could tell her motto was “When trouble strikes—vanish.”
From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel
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.
