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

Mendoza, a Miami Columbus High alumnus, shares an alma mater with UM coach Mario Cristobal. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native and Columbus High alumnus who won the Heisman Trophy this season, completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns, three of which came in the first half. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Jan. 2026

Housewives like Dorinda Medley and Lisa Rinna will play alongside Survivor alumni, Love Island USA's Rob Rausch, Olympians Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir, the NFL's MVP mom Donna Kelce and many more notable figures across music, TV, movies and sports. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026

George, a Sacramento-area native and Jessup University alumnus, began his sports media career as an intern at 1140, working as a board operator and producer. —Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "male nursing child, man produced by some formative agent (as a nation or race)," from alere "to nourish" + -mn-, mediopassive participle suffix — more at old entry 1

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alumnus

• dumbness
• numbness

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