motto

mot-to · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A short sentence or phrase chosen as encapsulating the beliefs or ideals of an individual, family, or institution.

  2. 2.

    A phrase that recurs throughout a musical or literary work and symbolizes a theme.

Forms

plural: mottoes

Related words

See also: maxim, saying, slogan
Synonyms: maxim, saying, slogan

Etymology

From Italian motto ("word, saying"), from Vulgar Latin muttum ("grunt, word"), from Latin muttire ("to mutter").