English edit

Etymology edit

From Ancient Greek Μαγδαληνή (Magdalēnḗ, woman from Magdala), byname of the biblical Mary Magdalene, "Mary of Magdala", from Μαγδαλά (Magdalá), the name of a village on Lake Galilee (the name of which derives from Hebrew מגדל (migdál, tower)). Generic use comes from the traditional association of Mary Magdalene with the "woman which was a sinner" mentioned in Luke 7:37. Doublet of Madeleine.

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /ˈmæɡdəlin/
  • (certain placenames in Oxford and Cambridge, varieties of fruit) IPA(key): /ˈmɔːdlɪn/

Proper noun edit

Magdalene

  1. A female given name from Hebrew
  2. Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus.
  3. (Cambridge University, informal) Ellipsis of Magdalene College, Cambridge.

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

Translations edit

Noun edit

Magdalene (plural Magdalenes)

  1. A reformed prostitute.
    • 1906 John Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga: The Man of Property: Interlude:
      "Trying to help women who've come to grief." Old Jolyon didn't quite understand. "To grief?" he repeated; then realised with a shock that she meant exactly what he would have meant himself if he had used that expression. Assisting the Magdalenes of London!

Danish edit

Proper noun edit

Magdalene

  1. a female given name of biblical origin

Related terms edit

German edit

Pronunciation edit

  • (file)

Proper noun edit

Magdalene

  1. a female given name, variant of Magdalena