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.
Lalo said his late father and uncles taught him and his cousins a simple mantra: Siempre una mano pa’l paisano. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025 The president’s macroeconomic plan, which is really Economy Minister Luis ‘Toto’ Caputo’s plan, has put the mantra of budget surpluses at the center of their belief system. Agustino Fontevecchia, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Sam Hoiberg said the Huskers adopted a mantra from one of Jay Wright’s national championship Villanova teams. Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025 Jennifer Aniston does not abide by one popular health mantra. Nicholas Rice, People.com, 5 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near mantra

Cite this Entry

“Mantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantra. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mantra

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