motto

Meaning

Noun

1. A sentence, phrase, or word, forming part of an heraldic achievement.
2. 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.
3. (obsolete) A paper packet containing a sweetmeat, cracker, etc., together with a scrap of paper bearing a motto.

Verb

To compose mottos.

Synonyms

slogan

catchword

maxim

aphorism

proverb

watchword

adage

saying

saw

🪚

dictum

byword

precept

device

shibboleth

epigram

printed

rallying cry

sentence

slogans

ways

word

encouraging speech

expression

wishing speech

axiom

catchphrase

catch phrase

chant

devise

emblem

epigraph

formula

gnome

golden saying

legend

oration

phrase

principles

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈmɑ.toʊ/

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian motto (“a word, a saying”), from Latin muttum (“a mutter, a grunt”), late 16th c.. Doublet of mot.