plural mottoes also mottos
1
: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something as appropriate to or indicative of its character or use
"The Crossroads of America" is the motto of the state of Indiana.
2
: a short expression of a guiding principle
"Hope for the best and prepare for the worst" is my motto.
Examples of motto in a Sentence
“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst” is my motto.
The Boy Scout motto is “Be prepared.”
Recent Examples on the Web
The two Republicans vying to challenge Healey in next year’s election in recent weeks have cemented their support for the existing flag and motto.
—
State House News Service, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
His family motto is still the same: ‘Walk with your head high, but never look down on anyone’.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
But, that’s sort of the motto behind the Episcopal Church.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Over time, it's only woven itself deeper into the fabric of American cultural consciousness, spawning new memes, mottos, and social media trends each year.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motto
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
State House News Service, Boston Herald, 19 Sep. 2025
His family motto is still the same: ‘Walk with your head high, but never look down on anyone’.
—Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
But, that’s sort of the motto behind the Episcopal Church.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Over time, it's only woven itself deeper into the fabric of American cultural consciousness, spawning new memes, mottos, and social media trends each year.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motto
Cite this Entry
“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motto. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motto
noun
mot·to
ˈmät-ō 
plural mottoes also mottos
1
: a sentence, phrase, or word inscribed on something (as a coin or public building) to suggest its use or nature
2
: a short expression of a guiding rule of conduct
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share