motto
Americannoun
plural
mottoes, mottos-
a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.
-
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
-
a short saying expressing the guiding maxim or ideal of a family, organization, etc, esp when part of a coat of arms
-
a short explanatory phrase inscribed on or attached to something
-
a verse or maxim contained in a paper cracker
-
a quotation prefacing a book or chapter of a book
-
a recurring musical phrase
Etymology
Origin of motto
1580–90; < Italian < Late Latin muttum sound, utterance. See mot
Compare meaning
How does motto compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Because of Winn-Dixie
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Divergent
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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 movie has an implicit motto, confidently stated by Kyle, that applies to all security systems: “At the end of the day, it’s still run by people. And people are stupid.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
In a joint statement, the two sides invoked the family motto, “Concordia, Integritas, Industria,” which means Harmony, Integrity and Industry.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
"I think of it like the Star Trek motto, to boldly go where no one has before," Burton says.
From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026
Her motto is to keep a “cool head” amid the maelstrom.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
His motto was “to die if necessary; to kill never.”
From "Death on the River of Doubt" by Samantha Seiple
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.
