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
Kotb's work motto, written on an office wall, alludes to the names of her daughters.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
And as time went on, more people — fans, media, announcers — latched on to the motto, using it as a taunt when the opportunity arose.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 July 2025
So during the Cold War era, the motto aligns Superman with American democratic ideals and anti-communist values of national strength and righteousness.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
The question that Congress should have debated before creating the CFPB is why the FTC, the federal agency whose motto is Protecting America’s Consumers, couldn’t protect America’s consumers.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for motto
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Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 July 2025
And as time went on, more people — fans, media, announcers — latched on to the motto, using it as a taunt when the opportunity arose.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 10 July 2025
So during the Cold War era, the motto aligns Superman with American democratic ideals and anti-communist values of national strength and righteousness.
—Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2025
The question that Congress should have debated before creating the CFPB is why the FTC, the federal agency whose motto is Protecting America’s Consumers, couldn’t protect America’s consumers.
—Norbert Michel, Forbes.com, 9 July 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 21 Jul. 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
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