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

Burruss addressed the rumors a second time—during an interview with Us Weekly, the Real Housewives of Atlanta alumni also addressed the false news. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 24 Apr. 2024

The young man killed last weekend by a fall from a beachside cliff near Santa Barbara has been identified as an alumnus of Carlmont High School, in Belmont. Jacob William Aladar Parker, 23, died Saturday, April 20, at a Santa Barbara hospital, the county sheriff’s department said. —Bay Area News Group, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

Between now and November 5th, many of our students, faculty, staff and alumni will be practicing freedom by participating in the electoral process. —Michael S. Roth, TIME, 23 Apr. 2024

Many of the alumni Rolling Stone spoke with said that shortly after joining the group, they were contacted by the FBI, who reached out in the summer of 2022. —Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2024

During their conversation, the Beverly Hills 90210 alumni also reflected on what led to the dissolution of their once close friendship. —Catherine Santino, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024

At least 500 students, staff, alumni and campus organizations signed a letter demanding transparency from university and state officials on the matter. —Char Adams, NBC News, 18 Apr. 2024

Tickets are $5; free for students, faculty, staff and alumni at bit.ly/3xpiDH8. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Apr. 2024

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

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