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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
Ashley Mahoney, Axios, 17 July 2024
Julie Bornstein, an alumna of Stitchfix, Sephora, Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom and co-founder of Daydream, said the project will change the way consumers shop and redefine brands and retailers’ perceptions of what’s possible for product discovery.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 28 June 2024
As a mother and a proud alumna of the liberal arts college, Röhm opens up about why she was inspired to explore the true crime story in her latest directorial effort in Lifetime's Devil on Campus: The Larry Ray Story in an exclusive sit down with PEOPLE.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 23 June 2024
Karen Ekuban, an alumna of Boley and a dedicated community advocate, has played a key role in rejuvenating the rodeo through her philanthropic efforts and leadership with the Project 2020 Foundation.
—Devine Blacksher, Essence, 9 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for alumna 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alumna.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Alumna.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alumna. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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