mode

1 of 2

noun (1)

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 developedJ. B. Conant
6
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

mode

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a prevailing fashion or style (as of dress or behavior)
the newest mode in dresses
Choose the Right Synonym for mode

Noun (1)

method, mode, manner, way, fashion, system mean the means taken or procedure followed in achieving an end.

method implies an orderly logical arrangement usually in steps.

effective teaching methods

mode implies an order or course followed by custom, tradition, or personal preference.

the preferred mode of transportation

manner is close to mode but may imply a procedure or method that is individual or distinctive.

an odd manner of conducting

way is very general and may be used for any of the preceding words.

has her own way of doing things

fashion may suggest a peculiar or characteristic way of doing something.

rushing about in his typical fashion

system suggests a fully developed or carefully formulated method often emphasizing rational orderliness.

a filing system

Noun (2)

fashion, style, mode, vogue, fad, rage, craze mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date.

fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place.

the current fashion

style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste.

a media baron used to traveling in style

mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated.

slim bodies are the mode at this resort

vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion.

short skirts are back in vogue

fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion.

last year's fad is over

rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad.

Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time
crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted

Examples of mode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
But those two modes ran laps around the lowly yellow bus. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 The game offers various modes and features that can be enjoyed without an internet connection, including exhibition matches, franchise mode, career mode and single-player challenges. The Arizona Republic, 14 Mar. 2024 When the pandemic arrived and the world shut down, Wiig was in nesting mode with her twins. Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 Step one: Switch to grayscale mode at night (to save you a google, here’s how to do this on an iPhone and Android). Julia Ries, SELF, 12 Mar. 2024 Environmentally, ride-sharing can have mixed effects—but it’s been one of the more climate-conscious modes of travel for people finding balance between private and public transportation. Sunny Nagpaul, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2024 That’s the position Golden State found itself in without Curry: playing out the string in desperation mode against a depleted version of one of the league’s least talented teams. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024 Does a feature like Gboard's one-handed mode inspire you to look for other accessibility features in apps and devices? Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2024 But other than that, the hover mode doesn’t have much to offer. Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 9 Mar. 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.

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English moede, from Latin modus measure, manner, musical mode — more at mete

Noun (2)

French, from Latin modus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Noun (2)

1642, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mode was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near mode

Cite this Entry

“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mode. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

mode

1 of 2 noun
1
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

More from Merriam-Webster on mode

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