Motto

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -É’təʊ

Origin

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

Full definition of motto

Noun

1. (heraldry) 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.
• Joseph Addison (1672-1719)It was the motto of a bishop eminent for his piety and good works, ... Serve God, and be cheerful.
• 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 1, “… the awfully hearty sort of Christmas cards that people do send to other people that they don't know at all well. You know. The kind that have mottoes like
    Here's rattling good luck and roaring good cheer,
  With lashings of food and great hogsheads of beer. …”

Synonyms