motif

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In retrospect, taken collectively, much of McCarthy’s work as an actor, filmmaker and journalist hinges on the friendship motif — that primordial ache to belong, that yearning to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

The team noted that this hand stencil stands out as a unique variation of a common motif.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Lest we forget, the Iraq War–era jingoism that inflected American pop culture at the time was also a fundamental motif of the 2000s internet.

From Slate • Mar. 20, 2026

A geriatric care worker in her late 50s, she is looking for a design in a particular shade of baby pink with a dull gold paisley motif.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2026

These themes are often complete melodies with many phrases, but a single phrase can be taken from the melody and used as a motif.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones