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
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 Web
Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Under Profile viewing options, select Private mode.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Hiring has slowed, and workers are in survival mode.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Players have that same type of mode of operation.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mode
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Noun
Dairy Queen is in full holiday mode with its new menu items.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
Under Profile viewing options, select Private mode.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025
Hiring has slowed, and workers are in survival mode.
—Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Players have that same type of mode of operation.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mode
Cite this Entry
“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mode. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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