modus operandi

[ moh-duhs op-uh-ran-dee, -dahy; Latin moh-doos oh-pe-rahn-dee ]

noun

, plural mo·di op·e·ran·di [moh, -dee op-, uh, -, ran, -dee, moh, -dahy op-, uh, -, ran, -dahy, moh, -dee oh-pe-, rahn, -dee].

1. a mode of operating or working:

   The aim of a scientist is to investigate the modus operandi of the natural world.

2. one’s usual way of doing something: : MO

   A criminal’s modus operandi can give the police a lead.

modus operandi

/ -ˈrændaɪ; ˈməʊdəs ˌɒpəˈrændiː /

noun

1. procedure; method of operating

modus operandi

1. The way someone does something; a characteristic method: “Her modus operandi in buying a new car always included a month of research.” This phrase , often abbreviated “m.o.,” is used by police to describe a criminal's characteristic way of committing a crime. From Latin , meaning “method of operation.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of modus operandi¹

First recorded in 1645–55; New Latin: literally “mode of working”

Word History and Origins

Origin of modus operandi¹

C17: from Latin

Example Sentences

Of course, valuing the fake over the real is Donald Trump's modus operandi.

From Salon

We also know that this is the Russian modus operandi.

From Salon

The accusers who spoke out today were in agreement that Fayed's modus operandi was to make his victims feel isolated.

From BBC

Fayed was a "a sick predator who lured me in" using "modus operandi he used time and time again", Natacha alleged.

From BBC

"There’s a lot of bluster – that’s his modus operandi," he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• rule of thumb