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

Grizzle was head of photography for the yearbook and graduated magna cum laude. — Lloyd Blankfein, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026

Delorean Andrews, 42, graduated magna cum laude from Widener University on Tuesday after first enrolling more than a decade ago. — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 12 May 2026

James Strange of ZIP code 92128, who earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science and graduated magna cum laude. — Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026

Roys graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a bachelor's degree in drama, politics and cultural studies, according to her LinkedIn profile. — Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for magna cum laude

• brachiopod
• cephalopod
• upanishad
• abroad
• applaud
• backboard
• ballade
• defraud
• ephod
• facade
• guffawed
• outlawed

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