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
Synonyms
Examples of mode in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebTIME, 2 May 2024
The games are still more than two months away, yet institutions that wouldn’t ordinarily seem athletically-inclined are shifting into sport mode.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 2 May 2024
Free self-driving mode on my Model Y for the entire month?
—Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024
The problem is that scammers can easily pose as a company and try to reach you by any of these modes of communication.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024
The ability to consistently and precisely range distances beyond three miles in Long Range mode is as much science as art.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2024
Hybrid signals enable it to transmit videos quickly, while the monitor has an eye-care mode to reduce harmful blue lights.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 1 May 2024
And within the goat modes, a little button in the middle has two different functions.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Apr. 2024
Intelligent drive modes send power and torque to whichever corner needs it, and because there’s an electric motor for each wheel, the U8 can perform a tank-turn, spinning on the spot by turning its left and right sides in opposing directions.
—Alistair Charlton, WIRED, 19 Apr. 2024
Noun
The treatment involves removing key immune cells from patients’ bone marrow and genetically modifying them to target a protein that is responsible for signaling the self-attack mode of immune cells.
—TIME, 2 May 2024
The games are still more than two months away, yet institutions that wouldn’t ordinarily seem athletically-inclined are shifting into sport mode.
—Amy Verner, Vogue, 2 May 2024
Free self-driving mode on my Model Y for the entire month?
—Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 2 May 2024
The problem is that scammers can easily pose as a company and try to reach you by any of these modes of communication.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2024
The ability to consistently and precisely range distances beyond three miles in Long Range mode is as much science as art.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2024
Hybrid signals enable it to transmit videos quickly, while the monitor has an eye-care mode to reduce harmful blue lights.
—Stackcommerce Team, PCMAG, 1 May 2024
And within the goat modes, a little button in the middle has two different functions.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 20 Apr. 2024
Intelligent drive modes send power and torque to whichever corner needs it, and because there’s an electric motor for each wheel, the U8 can perform a tank-turn, spinning on the spot by turning its left and right sides in opposing directions.
—Alistair Charlton, WIRED, 19 Apr. 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.
Dictionary Entries Near mode
Cite this Entry
“Mode.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mode. Accessed 5 May. 2024.
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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