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modus operandi

noun mo·dus ope·ran·di \ ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē , -ˌdī \
|Updated on: 8 Jun 2018

Definition of modus operandi

plural modi operandi play \ˈmō-ˌdē-, ˈmō-ˌdī-\
: a method of procedure
  • the best approach … was to do things through quiet persuasion, which was 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

See modus operandi defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of modus operandi from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'modus operandi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of modus operandi

New Latin

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance

MODUS OPERANDI Defined for English Language Learners

modus operandi

noun

Definition of modus operandi for English Language Learners

  • : a usual way of doing something; especially : the usual way that a particular criminal performs a crime

Law Dictionary

modus operandi

noun mo·dus ope·ran·di \ ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē, -ˌdī \

legal Definition of modus operandi

: a distinct pattern or method of operation especially that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

Origin and Etymology of modus operandi

New Latin, manner of operating

Learn More about modus operandi

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modus operandi

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