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

In the years since, Annabel graduated magna cum laude from Hardin-Simmons University, Christy revealed on Instagram in May 2025. —Jordana Comiter, People.com, 1 July 2025

Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri: Emma Caitlin Margret Doyle, bachelor’s degree, magna cum laude. —Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2025

Cale Baumgartner, Bachelor of Arts; Vladimir Hudson, Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude; Benjamin Micheau, Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude. —Naperville Sun, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2025

In the middle of her studies at Northeastern State University, the singer competed on American Idol (and won!) — returning to college to graduate magna cum laude with a degree in mass communications. —Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 10 May 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