modus operandi

American  

[moh-duhs op-uh-ran-dee, -dahy, moh-doos oh-pe-rahn-dee] / ˈmoʊ dəs ˌɒp əˈræn di, -daɪ, ˈmoʊ dus ˌoʊ pɛˈrɑn di /

noun

plural

modi operandi

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.

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modus operandi British  

/ -ˈrændaɪ, ˈməʊdəs ˌɒpəˈrændiː /

noun

1. procedure; method of operating

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modus operandi Cultural  

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.”

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Etymology

Origin of modus operandi

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

Example Sentences

Three former case managers, who worked as liaisons between clients and attorneys, described the same modus operandi at DTLA: Sign up personal injury clients, then get them to agree to surgeries.

From Los Angeles Times

His modus operandi generally is better understood when he is so considered.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gaining insight into their modus operandi could help make these therapies effective for far more patients.

From Science Daily

"The behaviors cited fall within the established and known modus operandi of Russian intelligence services," the agency stated in a press release.

From Barron's

Aster’s modus operandi, holding strong following his first three features, is to smother the viewer, piling on so many narrative threads that it becomes difficult to claw free for a broader perspective.

From Salon

Related Words

• rule of thumb