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

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

KatzPascale’s entire modus operandi now is to liberate the process. —Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 11 June 2026

The organization’s old modus operandi was Spursian in nature, and similar to Heat Culture, but without all the neon and nightclubs. —Candace Buckner, New York Times, 2 June 2026

The modus operandi extends beyond the interior, shaping how each space relates to the sea and the owner’s style of living. —Rachel Ingram, Robb Report, 31 May 2026

Not surprisingly, Marx isn’t the only gubernatorial candidate for whom exaggeration and mythologizing are the modus operandi. —Krista Kafer, Denver Post, 28 May 2026

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