motto
MO-toh
Motto (noun) means a short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle. Example: “Waste not, want not" was her grandmother's motto.”
noun
1
A short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle.
""Waste not, want not" was her grandmother's motto."
"The school's motto is engraved above the main entrance."
"Our football club's motto is 'Together we stand', printed on every scarf."
How to use motto
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short saying that sums up someone's beliefs or a group's guiding idea.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
personal motto
family motto
school motto
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Word forms
- Plural
- mottos, mottoes
- Third person singular
- mottos
- Past tense
- mottoed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
"Waste not, want not" was her grandmother's _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian motto ("a word, a saying"), from Latin muttum ("a mutter").
Related words
Rhymes for motto
See all rhymes for motto →Frequently asked questions
What does “motto” mean?
The word “motto” means a short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle. In plain terms, a short saying that sums up someone's beliefs or a group's guiding idea.
How do you pronounce “motto”?
“Motto” is pronounced MO-toh (/ˈmɑ.toʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “motto” in a sentence?
Here is “motto” used in a sentence: “"Waste not, want not" was her grandmother's motto.”
What part of speech is “motto”?
“Motto” is a noun.
Where does the word “motto” come from?
The word “motto” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Italian motto ("a word, a saying"), from Latin muttum ("a mutter").
Is “motto” a common word?
“Motto” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a motto and a slogan?
A motto is a short phrase that expresses a guiding belief or principle, often adopted personally or by an organisation for long-term identity, while a slogan is typically used for advertising or campaigns and may change over time to suit a specific promotion.
What is the difference between a motto and a mission statement?
A motto is a brief, memorable phrase expressing a guiding belief, while a mission statement is a longer, more detailed explanation of an organisation's purpose and goals. A motto is meant to be quoted or displayed concisely, unlike a fuller mission statement.
Can a person have a personal motto?
Yes, a motto can belong to an individual as well as an organisation or country, expressing a personal guiding belief or principle that someone tries to live by, such as a family motto or a personal life motto.
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