motto

American  

[mot-oh] / ˈmɒt oʊ /

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.

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motto British  

/ 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

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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:

• motto vs. slogan

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.

Example Sentences

"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

"Those early years were bit parts, chorus lines, lots of rejection... but my dear dad always reminded me that perseverance furthers, that was his motto."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

And for 88 years, Damburger — now operating out of a squat brick-and-mortar restaurant in downtown Redding — has dished out what is, according to its official motto, “the best hamburger by a dam site.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

Some inside the company described the atmosphere as reminiscent of the company’s early days, when its name was still Facebook and its unofficial internal motto was “move fast and break things.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Know thine enemy was Artemis’s motto, so he immersed himself in the lore of the People until he had compiled a huge database on their characteristics.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• maxim
• rallying cry