1
a
: an arrangement of the eight diatonic notes or tones of an octave according to one of several fixed schemes of their intervals (see interval sense 2)
b
: a rhythmical (see rhythm sense 2) scheme (as in 13th and 14th century music)
2
: mood entry 2 sense 2
the indicative mode
the subjunctive mode
3
[Late Latin modus, from Latin]
b
: the modal (see modality sense 2) form of the assertion or denial of a logical proposition
4
a
: a particular form or variety of something
flying and other modes of transport
new modes of communication
b
: a form or manner of expression : style
a different mode of living
5
: a possible, customary, or preferred way of doing something
explained in the usual solemn mode
Let's get into work mode.
new modes of experimentation had to be developed—
J. B. Conant
J. B. Conant6
a
: a manifestation (see manifestation sense 1), form, or arrangement of being
specifically
: a particular form or manifestation of an underlying substance
b
: a particular functioning arrangement or condition : status
a computer operating in parallel mode
sleep mode
a device that changes display colors in night mode to help reduce eyestrain
7
a
: the most frequent value of a set of data
b
: a value of a random variable for which a function of probabilities (see probability sense 1) defined on it achieves a relative maximum
8
: any of various stationary vibration patterns of which an elastic body or oscillatory system is capable
the vibration mode of an airplane propeller blade
the vibrational modes of a molecule
: a prevailing fashion or style (as of dress or behavior)
the newest mode in dresses
Synonyms
Examples of mode in a Sentence
Noun (1)
uses a colloquial mode of expression for his informal essays
when I'm in my cooking mode, I just have to go into the kitchen and make something
Noun (2)
slim, tanned bodies are definitely the mode at this beach resort
Recent Examples on the WebRick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2024
And to a growing number of critics, Israel appears to be simply stuck in clearing mode, increasing the risks for Israeli soldiers and Gazan civilians while cease-fire talks remain stalemated.
—Adam Rasgon, New York Times, 14 May 2024
Waymo and other autonomous vehicle operators are required to report incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involving a vehicle in autonomous mode, regardless of the vehicle’s role in the incident and the amount of damage, if any.
—Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 14 May 2024
The tank holds enough water to last eight hours when the device is in its lowest cooling mode.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024
Photo : Andy Morgan, courtesy Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
Selecting Sport+ mode stiffens the Vantage’s suspension and sharpens responses.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
Ghost of Tsushima only requires PSN account linking for its Legends multiplayer mode, a requirement the single player campaign is exempt from, the game’s developer went out of its way to say in a recent post.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 11 May 2024
Get into autumn mode with these cranberry-apple recipes.
—Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 11 May 2024
This portable massager features heating, vibration, kneading, rolling and multiple massage modes.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 9 May 2024
Noun
In 2023, there were at least four major Taiwanese companies in expansion mode in Juarez, bringing some of their manufacturing from Asia, said Jerry Pacheco, president and CEO of the Border Industrial Association in Santa Teresa.
—Rick Barrett, Journal Sentinel, 15 May 2024
And to a growing number of critics, Israel appears to be simply stuck in clearing mode, increasing the risks for Israeli soldiers and Gazan civilians while cease-fire talks remain stalemated.
—Adam Rasgon, New York Times, 14 May 2024
Waymo and other autonomous vehicle operators are required to report incidents to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involving a vehicle in autonomous mode, regardless of the vehicle’s role in the incident and the amount of damage, if any.
—Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 14 May 2024
The tank holds enough water to last eight hours when the device is in its lowest cooling mode.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 13 May 2024
Photo : Andy Morgan, courtesy Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC
Selecting Sport+ mode stiffens the Vantage’s suspension and sharpens responses.
—Angus MacKenzie, Robb Report, 12 May 2024
Ghost of Tsushima only requires PSN account linking for its Legends multiplayer mode, a requirement the single player campaign is exempt from, the game’s developer went out of its way to say in a recent post.
—Wes Davis, The Verge, 11 May 2024
Get into autumn mode with these cranberry-apple recipes.
—Emma Phelps, Southern Living, 11 May 2024
This portable massager features heating, vibration, kneading, rolling and multiple massage modes.
—Nora Colomer, Fox News, 9 May 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mode.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near mode
Cite this Entry
“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mode. Accessed 18 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mode
1 of 2 noun1
2
: a form or manner of expression or acting : way
a mode of travel
3
: a particular operating arrangement or condition
4
: the most frequent value of a set of values (as data)
mode
2 of 2 noun
: a popular fashion or style
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