Magdalene
English
Etymology
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
- IPA(key): /ˈmæɡdəlin/
- (certain placenames in Oxford and Cambridge, varieties of fruit) IPA(key): /ˈmɔːdlɪn/
Proper noun
Magdalene
- A female given name from Hebrew
- Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus.
- 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], OCLC 964384981, Luke 8:1-2:
- and the twelue were with him, And certaine women which had bene healed of euill spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene out of whom went seuen deuils
-
- (Cambridge University, informal) Ellipsis of Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Derived terms
- Magdalene asylum
- Magdalene laundry
- maudlin
Related terms
- Lena
- Maddy
- Maddie
- Magdalen
- Madeleine
- Madeline
- Madelyn
Translations
female given name
|
biblical character — see Mary Magdalene
Noun
Magdalene (plural Magdalenes)
- 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!
- 1906 John Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga: The Man of Property: Interlude:
Danish
Proper noun
Magdalene
- a female given name of biblical origin
Related terms
- Magda
- Malene
- Lena
- Lene
German
Pronunciation
Audio (file)
Proper noun
Magdalene
- a female given name, variant of Magdalena