Magdalene

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English

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Etymology

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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, Magdalen, Magdalena, and Maudlin.

Pronunciation

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

Proper noun

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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

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Translations

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biblical character — see Mary Magdalene

Noun

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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

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Proper noun

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Magdalene

  1. a female given name of biblical origin
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German

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Pronunciation

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  • Audio:(file)

Proper noun

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Magdalene

  1. a female given name, variant of Magdalena
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