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

The weary have compatriots at Clicks, a company chockablock with BlackBerry alumni devoted to bringing back tactile mobile keyboards. — Martin Cizmar, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Barbizon alumni include Amelia Vega, Miss Universe 2003, a graduate of Barbizon Santo Domingo. — Sergio R. Bustos, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

The Sierra Canyon High alumnus sank three three-pointers in a stellar debut for his hometown team. — Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

At the end of every academic year, my colleagues and I all receive a slew of requests from students and alumni asking for letters of recommendation. — Christina Wyman, CNBC, 14 Oct. 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