alumna

noun

alum·​na ə-ˈləm-nə 

plural alumnae ə-ˈləm-(ˌ)nē 

also -ˌnī

1

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

an alumna of Smith College

2

: a girl or woman who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

an alumna of a TV series

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 alumna in a Sentence

a group of Harvard alumnae

Recent Examples on the Web

Interlochen hired Sanghavi Law Office in 2024 to investigate abuse at the school after an alumna came forward about her experience in the 1970s regarding a longtime faculty member and administrator. — Ava Berger, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026

Gonzalez is an alumna of Belmont University, per her LinkedIn. — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Both Beer, a Forbes 30 Under 30 alumna with recent Grammy nominations and a Billboard Hot 100 hit, and Herbert are recognized for their successful careers, joining two prominent figures in entertainment and sports. — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

On a Diamonds roster that includes former NCAA champion Hope Trautwein-Valdespino and standout Missouri alumna Lauren Krings, Ricard hopes to embrace the challenges of the professional game. — Kansas City Star, 18 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, feminine of alumnus

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alumna

noun

alum·​na ə-ˈləm-nə 

plural alumnae -(ˌ)nē 

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