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Definition of magdalena

magdalena

/ˌmæɡdəˈleɪnə/
Mag · da · le · na

Plural:magdalenas
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magdalena Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The principal river of Colombia, flowing northward for over 1,500 kilometers through the western part of the country to empty into the Caribbean Sea.


2

A traditional Spanish small sponge cake, similar to a muffin or French madeleine, often flavored with lemon zest and baked using olive oil.

Example

"For breakfast, she enjoyed a freshly baked magdalena dipped in her hot coffee."


3

A department located in the Caribbean Region of northern Colombia, named after the Magdalena River.

Example

"Santa Marta, the capital of Magdalena, is known for its beautiful beaches and historical colonial architecture."

Word Nuance & Usage

In standard English usage, 'Magdalena' typically serves as a proper noun referring to South American geography, whereas in culinary contexts it refers to a Spanish cake and is usually lowercased.

• Rhymes for magdalena

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Late Latin Magdalena and Greek Magdálēna, meaning 'of Magdala' (an ancient city whose name stems from the Aramaic 'magdala' meaning 'tower').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Magdalena. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/magdalena
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