mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə How to pronounce mantra (audio)
 also  ˈman-,
 or  ˈmən-
: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation sense 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism)
also : watchword sense 2
"diversity" has become our multicultural mantra Manning Marable
mantric
ˈmän-trik How to pronounce mantra (audio)
 also  ˈman-
 or  ˈmən-
adjective

Examples of mantra in a Sentence

a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Players who didn’t fit the team-first/family-first mantra — Bones Hyland comes to mind — were phased out. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025 Use this as your mantra as the moon and North Node harmonize! Usa Today, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2025 That was his mantra the entire season, a pledge filled with the respectful humility that framed his image into that of a likable kid who was just here to hoop. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2025 The message is now the mantra, even if the rotation has not gotten a lot of love outside of Tampa Bay. John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mantra

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind — more at mind

First Known Use

1795, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantra was in 1795

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantra. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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