MOTTO Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

motto

[ mot-oh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural mottoes, mottos.

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.

motto

/ ˈ��ɒ��əʊ /

noun

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

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of motto¹

1580–90; < Italian < Late Latin muttum sound, utterance. See mot

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of motto¹

C16: via Italian from Latin muttum utterance

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Compare Meanings

How does motto compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

That perseverance and energetic response to adversity suggest, as the GSG motto implies, that, given half a chance, there's no limit to what they might achieve.

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Who else is the Silicon Valley motto, “move fast and break things,” for other than CEOs who view people as expendable and companies as their playthings?

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We eventually headed to one of Escobar’s old haunts: Station 26, motto “Anytime Anyplace,” where he had climbed through the ranks, all the way to captain.

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In public comments, residents have invoked the state’s motto to rally Mainers: “Dirigo,” Latin for “I lead.”

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Myers came up with the conservancy’s motto, “Behold the Beauty,” which Haney said captured the spirit of his longtime friend and mentor.

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