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

The modus operandi here is thoughtful service without pretense, and that extends to a new generation of restaurateurs who are increasingly redefining what Milwaukee food can be, while honoring the traditions that shaped them. —Lori Fredrich, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

That’s been their modus operandi for 47 years. —NBC news, 12 Apr. 2026

Speaking in general terms, Kolasinski said the modus operandi for ICE was to flash their lights and that people would stop their cars, even if there wasn’t probable cause for a stop. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 8 Apr. 2026

This film comes from the same director as the Albert Fish documentary above, so don’t expect a delicate delivery; the modus operandi here is stock footage and lurid detail. —Katie Rife, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Apr. 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