Mary Magdalene

American  

noun

1. Mary of Magdala, whom Jesus healed of possession by devils, Luke 8:2: traditionally identified with the repentant woman whom Jesus forgave. Luke 7:37–50.

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Mary Magdalene British  

noun

1. New Testament a woman of Magdala ( ˈmæɡdələ ) in Galilee whom Jesus cured of evil spirits (Luke 8:2) and who is often identified with the sinful woman of Luke 7:36–50. In Christian tradition she is usually taken to have been a prostitute. Feast day: July 22 See also magdalen

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Mary Magdalene Cultural  

1. In the Gospels, a woman who became a follower of Jesus after he drove out her demons. She is also described as a woman who was present at the Crucifixion, as an attendant at his burial, and as one of the witnesses to the discovery of the empty tomb three days later.

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According to the Gospel of Luke, Mary Magdalene is also identified with the repentant prostitute who anointed the feet of Jesus.

Example Sentences

I wasn’t offered the part of Mary Magdalene, which I wanted, but of Pontius Pilate.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

After the service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk, the royals greeted and interacted with excited crowds who had gathered on the crisp Christmas morning.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

Excited crowds gathered outside St Mary Magdalene Church, Norfolk, to catch a glimpse of the King and his family.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

Mary Magdalene, here named Miri of Magdala, seizes the opportunity to announce that she’s not a prostitute, as long thought, but a wealthy divorcee.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2024

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