Magdalene

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.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmæɡdəlin/

Proper noun

Magdalene

1. A female given name..
2. Mary Magdalene, a disciple of Jesus.
   • 1611, Bible (King James Version), Luke 8:1-2:
     :

     And the twelve were with him; and certain woman which had been healed of evil spirits, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils;

Noun

Magdalene (plural Magdalenes)

1. 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!

Proper noun

Magdalene

1. A female given name. of biblical origin.

Proper noun

Magdalene

1. A female given name., a variant of Magdalena.