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

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

Their modus operandi has been to rule by guns, not coalition. — Mahad D. Darar, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2026

The mural has reignited a familiar debate over whether Banksy’s modus operandi should be treated as criminal vandalism or culturally significant public art. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 10 Aug. 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