motto

/ˈmɑ.toʊ/

UK: /ˈmɒ.təʊ/

MⱭ · toʊ (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 8,838

Definition

A personal slogan.

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

"You have to be in it to win it — that's my motto."
"‘Gentlemen, I can tell you what the new queen will take as her motto. It is Bound to Obey and Serve.’"
"It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, ... Serve God, and be cheerful."