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

Wesen says many talented alumni choose to remain in Providence, consistently enriching the local food scene, which never gets stale. —Jill Barth, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025

Proceeds go toward Monarch School, which provides academic, social, and emotional support to unhoused youths, alumni and their families. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025

The segments test a specific skill set, and many chefs struggle with them — so turning to alumni for tips can help. —Ahmed Ali Akbar, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025

The former England soccer captain is an ambassador for The King's Foundation, the sovereign's longtime charity promoting sustainability through practical training, which sent students and alumni to the glam banquet before the King and Queen's trip to Italy in April. —Janine Henni, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, "male nursing child, man produced by some formative agent (as a nation or race)," from alere "to nourish" + -mn-, mediopassive participle suffix — more at old entry 1

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alumnus

• dumbness
• numbness

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