modus operandi

noun

mo·​dus ope·​ran·​di ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē How to pronounce modus operandi (audio)
-ˌdī
plural modi operandi ˈmō-ˌdē- How to pronounce modus operandi (audio)
ˈmō-ˌdī-
: a method of procedure
the best approach … was to do things through quiet persuasion, which was his modus operandiJames Traub
especially : a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime
got her picture identified, discovered her modus operandi, and put a stakeout on her neighborhood Time

Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This modus operandi is a direct contravention of Gallifrey's strict non-interference policies. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 3 June 2025 Trump’s tactical modus operandi is to keep people guessing and off balance. George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 His modus operandi was asking a salesperson to look at a specific diamond ring. Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 May 2025 That refined approach remains his modus operandi in Arizona — a refined approach that could land him on the Opening Day roster. Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for modus operandi

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of modus operandi was in 1654

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Cite this Entry

“Modus operandi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20operandi. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Legal Definition

modus operandi

noun
mo·​dus ope·​ran·​di ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē, -ˌdī How to pronounce modus operandi (audio)
: a distinct pattern or method of operation especially that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime
Etymology

New Latin, manner of operating

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