modus operandi
noun
mo·dus ope·ran·di
ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē 
-ˌdī
plural modi operandi
ˈmō-ˌdē-
ˈmō-ˌdī-
: a method of procedure
the best approach … was to do things through quiet persuasion, which was his modus operandi—
James Traub
James 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
Time Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Modus operandi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20operandi. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
modus operandi
noun
mo·dus ope·ran·di
ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē, -ˌdī
: 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share