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 is his modus operandi.

—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

Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In order to protect civilians, the Pentagon should develop AI tools that fit its modus operandi, which is different from how the civilian world operates, the deputy assistant secretary of Defense for cyber policy during the Biden administration told Politico. —Reed Albergotti, semafor.com, 29 Oct. 2025

The modus operandi generally involved either scaring a convenience store owner and fleeing with thousands of dollars worth of cigarettes, like one such incident at a 7-Eleven in Walnut Creek where masked men stole $8,000 in tobacco products, authorities said. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025

For Jake, living by the dirty deal has always been something of a burden and the only modus operandi that was ever on the table, as ill-fitting as a Nick Cave suit on a Coney Island rabbit. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025

Her modus operandi is one that can embrace the pressure points. —Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for modus operandi

• bandy
• brandy
• candy
• dandy
• grandee
• randy
• shandy

Legal 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