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 Trump Administration’s suspension of health tech advisory meetings and overall modus operandi has left industry insiders wondering about the course of important policy decisions that will affect the industry, clinicians and patients. —Seth Joseph, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Hand-picking, which was the modus operandi in Indiana until the 1980s and still is in parts of Florida and California, is extremely hard work. —Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 26 July 2025

Speed may be the main modus operandi of the boat, but entertainment is also a key focus. —Katia Damborsky, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025

Scattered Spider’s modus operandi has been to swoop into a sector and select multiple targets before moving on. —Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 2 July 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