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
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
Time Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In many ways, this is in keeping with the modus operandi of the Prince of Wales.
—Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
The Jonesploitation movies are in keeping with Margheriti’s general modus operandi for most of his career, which was to ride the crest of whatever trend was successful in the moment and feed the audience’s appetite for more.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
Miller’s modus operandi is to have a dizzying 200 episodes of a show in his head.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
The franchise tag has not been the 49ers’ modus operandi as coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch enter their 10th season.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
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Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026
The Jonesploitation movies are in keeping with Margheriti’s general modus operandi for most of his career, which was to ride the crest of whatever trend was successful in the moment and feed the audience’s appetite for more.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 24 Mar. 2026
Miller’s modus operandi is to have a dizzying 200 episodes of a show in his head.
—Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 24 Mar. 2026
The franchise tag has not been the 49ers’ modus operandi as coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch enter their 10th season.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for modus operandi
Cite this Entry
“Modus operandi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20operandi. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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