motto
[ mot-oh ]
/ ˈmɒt oʊ /
noun, plural mot·toes, mot·tos.
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.
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Origin of motto
1580–90; < Italian < Late Latin muttum sound, utterance. See mot
Words nearby motto
motte, mottelson, mottle, mottled, mottled enamel, motto, mottramite, motty, motu, motu proprio, motzer
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for motto
British Dictionary definitions for motto
motto
/ (ˈmɒtəʊ) /
noun plural -toes or -tos
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
Word Origin for motto
C16: via Italian from Latin muttum utterance
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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