1. a decorative design or pattern that is repeated
2. a main idea or theme that is repeated throughout a work of art, literature, or music

Examples

• The wallpaper featured a floral motif with roses and vines.
• The quilt displayed a geometric motif in blue and white.
• The novel’s central motif is the struggle between good and evil.
• Throughout the symphony, the composer repeated the same musical motif.
• The artist incorporated bird motifs into her ceramic designs.
• Love and loss are recurring motifs in his poetry.
• The building’s facade was decorated with Art Deco motifs.