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

The volume of aerial duels City engage in is largely kept to a minimum, with greater control being the modus operandi in any game that Guardiola oversees. —Mark Carey, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025

The criminal complaint further describes the thieves' modus operandi. —Alana Wise, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025

Prosecutors argued that the crimes shared the same modus operandi and that many witnesses overlap. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 27 Feb. 2025

That’s the modus operandi described by investigators in a string of at least 10 heists targeting BNSF trains in California and Arizona since last March. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 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