mantra

noun

man·​tra ˈmän-trə How to pronounce mantra (audio)
also ˈman-
or ˈmən-
1
: a mystical formula of invocation (see invocation sense 2) or incantation (as in Hinduism)
2
: a word or phrase that is repeated often or expresses the beliefs of a person or group : 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.
The goddess Gayatri, a divine manifestation of the Gayatri mantra, is described in the Mahanarayana Upanishad as having five heads, along with three feet, six abdominal sections, and 24 syllables. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 That might be due to grit, stamina—or a little psychological trick called a coping mantra. — Angela Haupt, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 Through tantra, breath, mantra and sweat, layers of identity are stripped away, revealing the human being beneath the public perception. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026 That mantra has become the anticipatory soundtrack to Crow-Armstrong’s greatest moments as a Cub. — Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026 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 at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mantra was in 1795

Rhymes for mantra

See All Rhymes for mantra

Browse Nearby Words

Mantoux test
mantra
mantrap
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Cite this Entry

“Mantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mantra. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on mantra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mantra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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