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Definition of magdalene

magdalene

/ˈmæɡ.dəˌliːn/
mag · da · lene
Plural:magdalenes
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magdalene Lexical Profile

magdalene Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A reformed prostitute or a woman regarded as having repented of sexual misconduct (historical or archaic).

Example

"Victorian philanthropists established charitable homes intended to shelter and reform each penitent magdalene."

2

An asylum, refuge, or reformatory institution established to house and rehabilitate fallen women or former prostitutes (historical).

Example

"The nineteenth-century parish records document several young women who were admitted to the local magdalene."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for magdalene

• Nearby Words

maga
magazine
magdalena
magdalene
mage
magenta
maggie

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English, via Old French and Late Latin Magdalena, from Ancient Greek Magdalene ('a woman of Magdala'), referring to Mary Magdalene, who in medieval Western tradition was conflated with the repentant sinner in the Gospel of Luke.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Magdalene. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/magdalene
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