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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
Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026
Moreno, an alumna of the school, says this was also the first time in history two women head coaches played each other in this D-1 section title.
—Charlie Lapastora, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2026
With Johnson, a DSU alumna, at the forefront alongside the support and leadership of Van-Ess, the school embodies the principles of reinvestment, legacy and collective empowerment that define HBCU culture.
—Dontaira Terrell, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026
Byer, who’s received an Emmy nomination for her hosting skills and is an alumna of the Upright Citizens Brigade, will tape a special this weekend at the Den Theatre.
—Jennifer Day, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alumna
Cite this Entry
“Alumna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alumna. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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