plural mods
informal
: a modification made to something usually by its owner or user in order to change its appearance or function
a car mod
body mods
specifically
: a modification made to a software application (such as a video game) by a user in order to change the way the application looks or functions
The result is a pair of mods … that replace the game's usual science-based victory condition (achieved by launching a spaceship to Earth's nearest star, Alpha Centauri) with one dedicated to building superintelligent AI. —
David Kushner
David Kushner
modded; modding; mods
informal
: to modify (something) from its original state in order to change its appearance or function
It is believed the 16-year-old boy, a learner driver, modded the vehicle himself by adding sirens and flashing lights.—Stefan Kostarelis
Stefan Kostarelis
especially
: to modify (a software application, such as a video game)
The developer believed the cheaters were ruining the experience for everyone else by modding the game to allow them to pull off moves they shouldn't be able to … —Nick Santangelo
Nick Santangelo
modder
noun
plural modders
Modders have been around at least since the original version of the popular shoot-'em-up Doom, which encouraged users to tweak the program.
—Hiawatha Bray
Hiawatha Bray
plural mods
informal
: the moderator of an online forum, chat room, or group
Reddit mods responded to the glitch promptly, eliminating the issue almost instantly.—theNextWeb.com
theNextWeb.com1
moderate
2
modification; modified
3
modulo; modulus
Synonyms
Examples of mod in a Sentence
Adjective
the young artist's converted loft is decorated in a self-consciously mod style
a chichi boutique for mod dressers with deep pockets
Recent Examples on the WebGabi Thorne, Allure, 13 Aug. 2021
The collection allows buyers to join Saweetie’s cool girl aesthetic which is heavily influenced by the ’90s with a mod 2020 twist.
—Nandi Howard, Essence, 1 June 2020
Some ladies even added a heel and did their hair and makeup for a mod illusion.
—Nandi Howard, Essence, 15 Apr. 2020
Yet WhatsApp mod developers advise users not to register with their primary phone numbers in other to circumvent the risk of a ban.
—Yomi Kazeem, Quartz Africa, 5 Mar. 2020
But the news that the services of hangmen are no longer needed attracts fresh faces to the pub, including a mod young stranger from London with a gift for vexation.
—Dan Barry, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
With precious few exceptions, ever since the midcentury fashions of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn's day gave way to the 1960s mod rebellion, gloves have symbolized the staid, uptight, and regressive (case in point: ).
—Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 13 Feb. 2020
These are no primitive dugouts, though, but mod-con homes excavated from the rock using diggers.
—Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2020
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel A mod-Mexican restaurant from Enrique Olvera, four bars with note-perfect cocktails (over 100 and counting), two pools, an amazing spa, and not a trace of hacienda-style architecture—in short, just what Cabo needed.
—Ann Abel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2020
Paul Tassi, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2021
Some of The Sims’ popularity is also likely due to players’ ability to mod their games to add more varied items, actions, and depth to an already deep game—a feature that has been available to some degree since the original version launched in 2000.
—Saira Mueller, Wired, 4 Feb. 2021
See More
Adjective
This liner is very mod, with a sharp wing right at the lash line and another eyeliner line right at the crease that both angle upwards towards her temple.
—Gabi Thorne, Allure, 13 Aug. 2021
The collection allows buyers to join Saweetie’s cool girl aesthetic which is heavily influenced by the ’90s with a mod 2020 twist.
—Nandi Howard, Essence, 1 June 2020
Some ladies even added a heel and did their hair and makeup for a mod illusion.
—Nandi Howard, Essence, 15 Apr. 2020
Yet WhatsApp mod developers advise users not to register with their primary phone numbers in other to circumvent the risk of a ban.
—Yomi Kazeem, Quartz Africa, 5 Mar. 2020
But the news that the services of hangmen are no longer needed attracts fresh faces to the pub, including a mod young stranger from London with a gift for vexation.
—Dan Barry, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2020
With precious few exceptions, ever since the midcentury fashions of Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn's day gave way to the 1960s mod rebellion, gloves have symbolized the staid, uptight, and regressive (case in point: ).
—Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, 13 Feb. 2020
These are no primitive dugouts, though, but mod-con homes excavated from the rock using diggers.
—Mark Ellwood, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2020
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel A mod-Mexican restaurant from Enrique Olvera, four bars with note-perfect cocktails (over 100 and counting), two pools, an amazing spa, and not a trace of hacienda-style architecture—in short, just what Cabo needed.
—Ann Abel, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Jan. 2020
Verb
Ripperdocs that can mod you up with cybernetic parts for greater body diversity.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2021
Some of The Sims’ popularity is also likely due to players’ ability to mod their games to add more varied items, actions, and depth to an already deep game—a feature that has been available to some degree since the original version launched in 2000.
—Saira Mueller, Wired, 4 Feb. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mod.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
short for modern
Noun (2)
short for moderator
Noun (3)
probably from mod entry 2
Phrases Containing mod
Articles Related to mod
Dictionary Entries Near mod
Cite this Entry
“Mod.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mod. Accessed 3 Oct. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
mod
1 of 2 adjectiveˈmäd
: modern
mod
2 of 2 noun
: a modification made to something by its owner or user to change its appearance or function
especially
: a modification made to a software application (as a video game) by a user in order to change the way the application looks or functions
More from Merriam-Webster on mod
Nglish: Translation of mod for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of mod for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share