Motto Definition

mŏtō
mottoes, mottos
noun
mottoes, mottos
A brief statement used to express a principle, goal, or ideal.
“Exuberance over taste!” is my motto.
American Heritage
A word, phrase, or sentence chosen as expressive of the goals or ideals of a nation, group, family, etc. and inscribed on a seal, banner, coin, coat of arms, etc.
Webster's New World
A maxim adopted as a principle of behavior.
Webster's New World

(heraldry) A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievement.

Wiktionary

A sentence, phrase, or word, prefixed to an essay, discourse, chapter, canto, or the like, suggestive of its subject matter; a short, suggestive expression of a guiding principle; a maxim.

Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Motto

Noun

Singular:
motto
Plural:
mottoes, mottos

Origin of Motto

  • Italian word, motto probably from Vulgar Latin mōttum word mot

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • Italian motto (a word, a saying), Latin muttum (a mutter, a grunt).

    From Wiktionary

Motto Sentence Examples

  • The ribbon is red with the motto For Love and Fatherland in silver letters.

  • The motto is Magnanime pretium.

  • I want to hear the woman who lives by the motto of no apologies, no regrets, who told me once that her own soul searching taught her to live, doesn't want my help turning that three months into eternity.

  • The motto of the order was Duce et auspice.

  • In England the Agricultural Society was founded in 1838, with the motto " Practice with Science," and shortly afterwards incorporated by royal charter.

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Words Starting With

MMOMOT

Words Ending With

OTOTTO

Unscrambles

motto

Words Starting With M and Ending With O

Starts With M & Ends With OStarts With MO & Ends With OStarts With M & Ends With TO

Word Length

5 Letter Words5 Letter Words Starting With M5 Letter Words Ending With O