magna cum laude

adverb or adjective

mag·​na cum lau·​de ˈmäg-nə-(ˌ)ku̇m-ˈlau̇-də 

-ˈlau̇-dē;

ˈmag-nə-ˌkəm-ˈlȯ-dē 

: with great distinction (see distinction sense 4b)

graduated magna cum laude

compare cum laude, summa cum laude

Examples of magna cum laude in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The late-night host earned a history and literature degree — magna cum laude — in 1985. —Diana Pearl, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

David Muir age, hometown, college Muir, 51, hails from Syracuse, New York, and is magna cum laude graduate of Ithaca College, according to his bio on ABC News. —Saman Shafiq, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

Former Maryland State Treasurer Richard Dixon, the first African American Treasurer of Maryland, is a Morgan State University graduate — as well as U.S. Rep. Kweisi Mfume, who graduated magna cum laude. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 27 Mar. 2024

On Friday morning, Davis conferred Stanfield's Bachelor of Science degree in health sciences, magna cum laude, during a private ceremony attended by the late student's family, football teammates and coaches. —Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

magna cum laude

adverb

mag·​na cum lau·​de ˌmäg-nə-(ˌ)ku̇m-ˈlau̇d-ə  -ˈlau̇d-ē 

ˌmag-nə-ˌkəm-ˈlȯd-ē

: with great distinction : with great honors

graduated magna cum laude

Etymology

Latin