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
That’s been our motto all year long.
—
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Our big motto is just have fun.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
At a time of scarcity of food during the war, mother used to say her motto to us at meal time.
—Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Google will also sell a special edition Stephen Curry Performance Loop, featuring a brown-and-orange design and the basketball star’s name and Lock In motto.
—Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motto
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Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026
Our big motto is just have fun.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
At a time of scarcity of food during the war, mother used to say her motto to us at meal time.
—Catherine Pearson, New York Times, 8 May 2026
Google will also sell a special edition Stephen Curry Performance Loop, featuring a brown-and-orange design and the basketball star’s name and Lock In motto.
—Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for motto
Cite this Entry
“Motto.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motto. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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
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