mode

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈmōd 

1

a

: an arrangement of the eight diatonic notes or tones of an octave according to one of several fixed schemes of their intervals (see interval sense 2)

b

: a rhythmical (see rhythm sense 2) scheme (as in 13th and 14th century music)

2

: mood entry 2 sense 2

the indicative mode

the subjunctive mode

3

[Late Latin modus, from Latin]

a

: mood entry 2 sense 1

b

: the modal (see modality sense 2) form of the assertion or denial of a logical proposition

4

a

: a particular form or variety of something

flying and other modes of transport

new modes of communication

b

: a form or manner of expression : style

a different mode of living

5

: a possible, customary, or preferred way of doing something

explained in the usual solemn mode

Let's get into work mode.

new modes of experimentation had to be developed

—J. B. Conant

6

a

: a manifestation (see manifestation sense 1), form, or arrangement of being

specifically : a particular form or manifestation of an underlying substance

b

: a particular functioning arrangement or condition : status

a computer operating in parallel mode

sleep mode

a device that changes display colors in night mode to help reduce eyestrain

7

a

: the most frequent value of a set of data

b

: a value of a random variable for which a function of probabilities (see probability sense 1) defined on it achieves a relative maximum

8

: any of various stationary vibration patterns of which an elastic body or oscillatory system is capable

the vibration mode of an airplane propeller blade

the vibrational modes of a molecule

mode

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a prevailing fashion or style (as of dress or behavior)

the newest mode in dresses

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• style
• manner
• tone

Noun (2)

• trend
• latest
• craze
• style
• rage
• vogue
• enthusiasm
• fashion

Choose the Right Synonym for mode

Noun (1)

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end.

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

Noun (2)

fashion, style, mode, vogue, fad, rage, craze mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date.

fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place.

the current fashion

style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste.

a media baron used to traveling in style

mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

slim bodies are the mode at this resort

vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion.

short skirts are back in vogue

fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

last year's fad is over

rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad.

Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time

crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted

Examples of mode in a Sentence

Noun (1)

uses a colloquial mode of expression for his informal essays

when I'm in my cooking mode, I just have to go into the kitchen and make something

Noun (2)

slim, tanned bodies are definitely the mode at this beach resort

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

With four smart modes (cool, gentle, fast, and style) and magnetic attachments like a diffuser and concentrator, the Zuvi puts you in control. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 5 July 2025

All of these changes give your franchise mode an identity and life. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

Under stress, however, your body naturally shifts into the nervous system’s sympathetic or fight-or-flight mode, driving faster, shallower breaths from the upper chest. —Dana Santas, CNN Money, 4 July 2025

Getting around on two wheels has long been my preferred mode of travel—both at home and when exploring a new destination. —Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English moede, from Latin modus measure, manner, musical mode — more at mete

Noun (2)

French, from Latin modus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

1642, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing mode

• aeroplane mode
• airplane mode
• a la mode
• asynchronous transfer mode
• beast mode
• church mode
• go beast mode
• à la mode

Rhymes for mode

• blowed
• bode
• code
• crowed
• flowed
• glowed
• goad
• growed
• knowed
• load
• lode
• lowed

Kids Definition

mode

1 of 2 noun

ˈmōd 

1

: mood entry 2

2

: a form or manner of expression or acting : way

a mode of travel

3

: a particular operating arrangement or condition

4

: the most frequent value of a set of values (as data)

mode

2 of 2 noun

: a popular fashion or style