alumnus

noun

alum·​nus ə-ˈləm-nəs 

plural alumni ə-ˈləm-ˌnī 

1

: a person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university

an alumnus of Columbia University

—usually used of a man in the singular but often of men and women in the plural

2

: a person who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

a Saturday Night Live alumnus

Did you know?

Alumnus or Alumna?

Many people are comfortable using the word alumni to refer to someone who was a student of a particular school. However, others feel quite strongly that this is an error and that the following forms should be used: alumnus (for one male), alumni (for multiple males, or for a mix of males and females), alumna (for one female), and alumnae (for multiple females). The shortened form alum and its plural form alums began to be used in the 19th century. Initially, alum was widely viewed as highly colloquial or informal, but is increasing in use as a gender-neutral alternative.

Examples of alumnus in a Sentence

Her parents are alumni of the state university.

Recent Examples on the Web

Eight inspiring speakers, most of them Christopher Columbus High School alumni, delivered heartfelt, thought-provoking talks during the recent TEDxColumbus HS. —Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2024

This year, organizers are looking for the best and brightest SAC alumni who have achieved notable success to join past honorees. —Advertorial, Orange County Register, 10 Apr. 2024

The American Idol season 1 alumnus is flexing his vocal chops as the voice of Cat Burglar on the Disney cartoon Superkitties, playing the four-legged villain on the run from a fuzzy band of good guys. —Kate Hogan, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

At least 250 collectives — financed through contributions from alumni, boosters, businesses and fans — have been formed nationwide. —Katie Lauer, The Mercury News, 5 Apr. 2024

This program-level data exists for alumni who are four years out from graduation, though only for those who received any federal financial aid. —Ron Lieber, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2024

North Carolina State University alumni who attended classes at Poe Hall may have been exposed to a possible carcinogen as reported cancer cases among the former students have risen to 150, according to reports. —Jonathan Limehouse, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

Can that translate to significant production at the school that has produced scores of NFL players in addition to all of its famous alumni in other fields? —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

An alumni association, which receives no taxpayer dollars, faces no such restrictions. —Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 23 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, foster son, pupil, from alere to nourish — more at old

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alumnus

noun

alum·​nus ə-ˈləm-nəs 

plural alumni -ˌnī 

: a person who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university

Etymology

Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater