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 company’s modus operandi has a multifaceted approach to minimize the above error term and maximize organizational efficacy.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
His preferred modus operandi is announcing wildly unrealistic goals that his team must then scramble to meet under enormous pressure and the looming risk of losing their jobs.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modus operandi 
Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
His preferred modus operandi is announcing wildly unrealistic goals that his team must then scramble to meet under enormous pressure and the looming risk of losing their jobs.
—Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for modus operandi
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modus operandi.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Modus operandi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modus%20operandi. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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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