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
The modus operandi of the burglary is consistent with others carried out in the United States by South American theft groups, according to the complaint.
—Eric Levenson, CNN, 10 Feb. 2025
The Taliban do not roam the streets of Chicago, and their modus operandi should not be applied here.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 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
The criminal complaint further describes the thieves' modus operandi.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for modus operandi
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Eric Levenson, CNN, 10 Feb. 2025
The Taliban do not roam the streets of Chicago, and their modus operandi should not be applied here.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 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
The criminal complaint further describes the thieves' modus operandi.
—Alana Wise, NPR, 28 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 24 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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