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

Earlier, the King led the Royals in celebrating the high point of the festive season with a service of Christmas carols and prayers at St Mary Magdalene Church on Charles's private Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2025

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

Davis also readily cites her mother, Mary Magdalene Duplantier, as one of her main inspirations.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Thus he chose to remember Hamlet’s abuse of Ophelia, but not Christ’s love of Mary Magdalene; Hamlet’s frivolous politics, but not Christ’s serious anarchy.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison