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

Example Sentences

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

Laxmi Ghimire, another activist at Sunday's protest, said "promoting a motto of good governance will not make the country and its people feel it".

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

Such talk rattles many here who grew up in a country where government buildings still bear the revolutionary motto: “Homeland or death, we will prevail.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2026

“Out with the old mess, in with the new” is the reality genre’s unspoken motto, but let’s think about what that means here.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

I don't speak Latin but have always assumed that the city motto translates to either Go Home or We Don't Like You, Either.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• adage
• aphorism
• maxim
• rallying cry