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

One of the loftier goals of this San Diego State University alumna who has a master’s degree in educational technology was to launch a Kids Care Club. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2026

The Jayhawk alumna has long had her eyes set on opening a restaurant in Lawrence. —Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026

Samantha, who is from Pearland, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumna of The Daily Texan. —Samantha Ketterer, Houston Chronicle, 7 Mar. 2026

In the Democratic primary, Katie O’Brein Duzan, vice president of marketing at Veeva Systems and TCU alumna, is running uncontested. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 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