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Magna Carta

American

[mag-nuh kahr-tuh] / ˈmæg nə ˈkɑr tə /

Or Magna Charta

noun

the “great charter” of English liberties, forced from King John by the English barons and sealed at Runnymede, June 15, 1215.
any fundamental constitution or law guaranteeing rights and liberties.

Magna Carta British

/ ˈmæɡnə ˈkɑːtə /

noun

English history the charter granted by King John at Runnymede in 1215, recognizing the rights and privileges of the barons, church, and freemen

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Magna Carta Cultural

A list of rights and privileges that King John of England signed under pressure from English noblemen in 1215. It established the principles that the king could not levy taxes without consent of his legislature, or parliament, and that no free man in England could be deprived of liberty or property except through a trial or other legal process.

Usage

What is the Magna Carta? The Magna Carta is an English “great charter” that was signed into law by King John on June 15, 1215. Some of the best-known concepts outlined in the Magna Carta include making the monarch subject to the rule of law, basic rights held by citizens (or “free men”), and the social contract between ruler and subjects.

Etymology

Origin of Magna Carta

1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Magna Carta

The British have become startlingly careless about this—their citizenship test is as likely to pose questions about soap operas as about Magna Carta.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 2026

When King Charles noted the British legal tradition, enshrined in the Magna Carta, that "executive power is subject to checks and balances", he received another standing ovation – with a twist.

From BBC ● Apr. 28, 2026

This latter concept dates back to the Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215 at Runnymede in England.

From Slate ● Aug. 25, 2025

Ingleborough is one of the few places in England where "commoning" traditions remain with around a dozen farmers still grazing sheep on the land under rights dating back to the Magna Carta.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2025

Tío Pepe says this is our Magna Carta, and I’m so glad I was paying attention that day in history class so I don’t have to ask what that is.

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023