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

Though class ranks will be a thing of the past, de la Sanchez said all students with a grade-point average of 3.85 or higher on a 4-point scale will graduate summa cum laude, while those between 3.7 and 3.84 will be magna cum laude, and those from 3.5 to 3.69 will be cum laude. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2025

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

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