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 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

Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its modus operandi has changed over the subsequent centuries, however, with a box of tricks that stretches far beyond possessing an unfortunate victim. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 26 Apr. 2025

And that’s been essentially my modus operandi ever since. —Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025

The modus operandi of the heist could help narrow the search of suspects. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025

Finding ways to be playful and to be to throw things is Womanly’s [modus operandi]. —Morgan A. Grain, Essence, 15 Apr. 2025

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