alumna

noun

alum·​na ə-ˈləm-nə 

plural alumnae ə-ˈləm-(ˌ)nē 

also -ˌnī

1

: a girl or woman who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university

an alumna of Smith College

2

: a girl or woman who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

an alumna of a TV series

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 alumna in a Sentence

a group of Harvard alumnae

Recent Examples on the Web

Planetary scientist Allison McGraw, an alumna of the University of Arizona who is now with the Lunar and Planetary Science Institute, backed the nomination with several other planetary science researchers, according to the Tucson Star. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The meeting would be attended by Tiffany Kelley, an alumna who was the Associate Head of School. — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 17 Sep. 2026

Others are marking the day with a motorcycle ride, a concert, a 5K run and a scholarship fundraiser honoring a Towson University alumna who died aboard Flight 93. — The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2026

Interlochen hired Sanghavi Law Office in 2024 to investigate abuse at the school after an alumna came forward about her experience in the 1970s regarding a longtime faculty member and administrator. — Ava Berger, NPR, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, feminine of alumnus

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alumna

noun

alum·​na ə-ˈləm-nə 

plural alumnae -(ˌ)nē 

: a girl or woman who has attended or graduated from a particular school, college, or university