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

This is Kubrick’s modus operandi throughout the film, setting up scenes where furniture moves from shot to shot, wall decorations change, and there are further schisms between Ullman’s exposition and the reality that transpires. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2026

His Warholian modus operandi evoked suspicion throughout the art world, which was rather the point. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026

As the group debates players, Pitt reveals the new modus operandi for the Oakland Athletics. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2026

The facade cracked on the nicer face of the same old modus operandi. — Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026

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