mode

1 of 2

noun (1)

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]
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 developedJ. 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
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

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
And within the goat modes, a little button in the middle has two different functions. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Apr. 2024 Intelligent drive modes send power and torque to whichever corner needs it, and because there’s an electric motor for each wheel, the U8 can perform a tank-turn, spinning on the spot by turning its left and right sides in opposing directions. Alistair Charlton, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024 The new gameplay mode won’t be available in the United States anytime soon, as Mattel doesn’t own the rights to Scrabble in North America. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024 For now, the Quest 2 can even get some updates ahead of the Quest 3, like the lying down mode that arrived in March and took another month to hit Meta’s newer headset. Sean Hollister, The Verge, 18 Apr. 2024 This mode of transportation is very dangerous; over the years, hundreds have fallen onto the tracks and have been killed or mutilated. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 18 Apr. 2024 Lastly, Sherpa mode optimizes range by reducing power from 117 horsepower to 90 horsepower and turning off the heating and cooling system. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2024 The mode of consumption varies around the world; for example, during ceremonies with Beckley Retreats in Jamaica, psilocybin is consumed through ginger-lemon tea. Michaela Trimble, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Apr. 2024 This mode produces the sharpest pictures and leaves room to zoom in and frame the shot a bit. Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 16 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mode.' 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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of mode was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mode

Cite this Entry

“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mode. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

mode

1 of 2 noun
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mode

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