alma mater
noun
al·ma ma·ter
ˌal-mə-ˈmä-tər 
1
: a school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated
went to a class reunion at his alma mater
2
: the song or hymn of a school, college, or university
"Hey, Harvard boy, sing your alma mater!" shouted an obnoxious producer.—
Phil Kloer
Phil KloerExamples of alma mater in a Sentence
I visited my old alma mater last week.
Recent Examples on the Web
The scrimmage simulated a home game, with the 49ers practicing the Niner Walk ahead of practice, their pregame and halftime routines, and even the school’s alma mater at the conclusion.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2025
Someone new Metea Valley coach Patrick Sheehan comes from the college ranks, having served as an assistant for the past eight years at his alma mater, Wisconsin-Platteville.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
Later on Thursday, Medved was asked about building his first roster at his alma mater, which has a clear emphasis on 3-point shooting in its makeup.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025
According to a release, the honors were presented at a private ceremony attended by the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, youth from the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and students from the singer's alma mater, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.
—Melody Chiu, People.com, 27 July 2025
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Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 16 Aug. 2025
Someone new Metea Valley coach Patrick Sheehan comes from the college ranks, having served as an assistant for the past eight years at his alma mater, Wisconsin-Platteville.
—Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
Later on Thursday, Medved was asked about building his first roster at his alma mater, which has a clear emphasis on 3-point shooting in its makeup.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 31 July 2025
According to a release, the honors were presented at a private ceremony attended by the Mayor of Toronto, Olivia Chow, youth from the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and students from the singer's alma mater, Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.
—Melody Chiu, People.com, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alma mater
Cite this Entry
“Alma mater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alma%20mater. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alma mater
noun
al·ma ma·ter
ˌal-mə-ˈmät-ər
: a school, college, or university that one has attended
Etymology
Latin, literally "fostering mother," from almus "nourishing" (from alire "to nourish") and mater "mother" — related to alimentary, maternal
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