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

Rather than being an example of just another crass capitalist greedily bilking her fanbase, Bey’s true modus operandi seems to be mass empowerment. —Hazlitt, 19 July 2023

The trio’s modus operandi was to scan the news and matrimonial ads for real-life wedding stories and incidents. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Aug. 2023

In the past, full-time in-office work was the unchallenged norm, the default modus operandi for businesses worldwide. —Gleb Tsipursky, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2023

Ever since Abbas Kiarostami’s And Life Goes On premiered back in 1992, movies set in cars have become the modus operandi of some of Iranian cinema’s greatest works. —Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Aug. 2023

And, of course, to the two-time defending champion United States: Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe and all those newcomers, a group with sizzling star power and a bold modus operandi that has pushed the boundaries not just for female soccer players, but for all of women’s sports. —Kurt Streeter, New York Times, 26 July 2023

His modus operandi is to take everyday objects and transform them into something beautiful—Bic pens into chandeliers, say, or Ugg boot soles into a couch. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 4 Mar. 2023

That’s often the modus operandi of veteran receivers who are looking for the smallest edges to get the best of their opponents. —Steve Silverman, Forbes, 10 Feb. 2023

Phillips tells Rolling Stone that Sister Cindy’s modus operandi is reminiscent of how political and religious figures have begun mimicking internet trolling culture to further their talking points — and give them protection against criticism at the same time. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 6 July 2023

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Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined above

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