Nearby Words

Motto

[mot-oh] Example Sentences Origin

mot·to

[mot-oh]
noun, plural -toes, -tos.
1.
a maxim adopted as an expression of the guiding principle of a person, organization, city, etc.
2.
a sentence, phrase, or word expressing the spirit or purpose of a person, organization, city, etc., and often inscribed on a badge, banner, etc.

Origin:
1580–90; < Italian < Late Latin muttum sound, utterance. See mot
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Motto is always a great word to know.
So is slumgullion. Does it mean:
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc.
Example Sentences
  • The art of composing the motto was subjected to severe rules.
  • Not a bad motto for the noble anti-miscegenation crusaders or yore as well as gay marriage advocates of today.
  • It could be his motto and, behind it, one can almost hear him laughing.
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Collins
World English Dictionary
motto (ˈmɒtəʊ)
 
n , pl -toes, -tos
1.  a short saying expressing the guiding maxim or ideal of a family, organization, etc, esp when part of a coat of arms
2.  a short explanatory phrase inscribed on or attached to something
3.  a verse or maxim contained in a paper cracker
4.  a quotation prefacing a book or chapter of a book
5.  a recurring musical phrase
 
[C16: via Italian from Latin muttum utterance]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin & History

motto
1589, from It. motto "a saying, legend attached to a heraldic design," from L.L. muttum "grunt, word," from L. muttire "to mutter, mumble, murmur."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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