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 Latinmuttum sound, utterance. See mot
Examples from the web for motto
It could be his motto and, behind it, one can almost hear him laughing.
My motto has always been that it's got to be a round-trip.
Hot pink walls and a stenciled motto punch up this tiny eating area.
There are a ton of commonly quoted lyrics but no motto.
Tell all and plead desperately has always been her motto.
Non-toxic, non-lethal and non-harmful is the new motto.
Tanning's artistic evolution has adhered to this spirited motto.
His motto is to get the thing done and let them howl.
Dan, the letterhead of your stationery carries the motto of your university: pax et lux.
A juridical motto often mistranslated as the exception that proves the rule.
British Dictionary definitions for motto
motto
/ˈmɒtəʊ/
noun (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
Word Origin
C16: via Italian from Latin muttum utterance
Word Origin and History for motto
n.
1580s, from Italian motto "a saying, legend attached to a heraldic design," from Late Latin muttum "grunt, word," from Latin muttire "to mutter, mumble, murmur" (see mutter).