Magdalene
Americannoun
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the. Mary Magdalene.
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(lowercase) a reformed prostitute.
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Also Magdalen a female given name: from a Hebrew word meaning “woman of Magdala.”
noun
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.
An apology is also expected in Northern Ireland but not until after a public inquiry has been carried out, following a recommendation from a 2021 report on mother and baby institutions, Magdalene laundries and workhouses.
From Barron's ● Jul. 2, 2026
The painting depicts Mary Magdalene with long, flowing hair, draped in a regal red garment and clutching a skull — a contemporary interpretation of one of Christianity’s most enduring figures.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026
I wasn’t offered the part of Mary Magdalene, which I wanted, but of Pontius Pilate.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 14, 2026
The actor - also an award winning director for films such as The Magdalene Sisters and Neds - was wounded on the head as a result of the attack.
From BBC ● Jan. 16, 2026
Incidentally, may I ask if the young lady in the foreground in the blue outfit is Mary Magdalene?
From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
