alumnus

noun

alum·​nus ə-ˈləm-nəs 

plural alumni ə-ˈləm-ˌnī 

1

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

an alumnus of Columbia University

—usually used of a man in the singular but often of men and women in the plural

2

: a person who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

a Saturday Night Live alumnus

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 alumnus in a Sentence

Her parents are alumni of the state university.

Recent Examples on the Web

As part of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the two organizations are bringing together eight designers who are alumni of the fund to show their collections in a showroom during Paris Fashion Week. —Layla Ilchi, WWD, 3 Sep. 2024

The Oilers are seeking their first title since 1996 and might have the firepower to get it for coach and alumnus Craig Pazanti. Also out of the blocks quickly with eight straight wins was Sierra Canyon, the Division 1 section champion two years ago. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2024

Reality check: By custom, SEC chairs normally resign if there's a change in the White House during their term, leaving a spot open so the new White House can appoint a leader, Andrew Vollmer, of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and an alumnus of the SEC's legal team, told Axios. —Brady Dale, Axios, 15 Aug. 2024

But some educational discounts can also be used by teachers, parents of students, or alumni. —Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, foster son, pupil, from alere to nourish — more at old

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

alumnus

noun

alum·​nus ə-ˈləm-nəs 

plural alumni -ˌnī 

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

Etymology

Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater