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
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
Time Examples of modus operandi in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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
These abhorrent behaviors and actions are the standard modus operandi for the head of the Republican party.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
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
Wielding the language of liberal internationalism to justify ruinous intervention abroad has long been the modus operandi of the neoconservatives, who, since the ascendancy of Trump over the Republican Party, have gravitated back to their original home among the Democrats.
—Anatol Lieven, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
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Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2025
These abhorrent behaviors and actions are the standard modus operandi for the head of the Republican party.
—Contributed Content, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025
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
Wielding the language of liberal internationalism to justify ruinous intervention abroad has long been the modus operandi of the neoconservatives, who, since the ascendancy of Trump over the Republican Party, have gravitated back to their original home among the Democrats.
—Anatol Lieven, Harper's Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modus operandi
Cite this Entry
“Modus operandi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20operandi. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLegal 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
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