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

College football is back on our screens, and Charlotte is stacked with spots where fans can catch their favorite sports teams with fellow alumni while enjoying a drink or a bite to eat. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026

This status also serves as a crucial fundraising tool, as donations from alumni and others become eligible for tax deductions. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Woven throughout is a spotlight on SCAD students and alumni working at the leading edge of animation, motion-media design and visual effects. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 3 Sep. 2026

He was flanked by Steen and head coach Jim Montgomery and surrounded by his four alternate captains — Colton Parayko, Philip Broberg, Jake Neighbours and Dylan Holloway — along with many other teammates and alumni. — Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 3 Sep. 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