alumnus

noun

alum·​nus ə-ˈləm-nəs How to pronounce alumnus (audio)
plural alumni ə-ˈləm-ˌnī How to pronounce alumnus (audio)
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

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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 alumnus in a Sentence

Her parents are alumni of the state university.
Recent Examples on the Web Further limiting admissions by giving preference to children of alumni is very hard to justify at the same time these institutions claim to be devoted to notions of merit, equality and social mobility. Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The Vanderpump Rules alumni, who are set to take part in the Bravo spinoff The Valley this spring, have announced their separation, four years after they wed in 2019. Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 29 Feb. 2024 The performance reached its pinnacle with the students performing In Creases, choreographed by SAB alumnus Justin Peck, and a Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux performed by alumni and New York City Ballet principal dancers Tiler Peck and Roman Mejia. Maia Torres, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2024 With support from alumni, current students have staged multiple demonstrations, including at a special university board meeting in January, during which the board closed proceedings before the students could speak, according to CNN affiliate KRCG. Leah Asmelash, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024 The move was welcomed by many in the Black community but prompted a huge outcry from the city’s Chinese American community, who felt targeted, and from many Lowell alumni and parents, who argued that excellence would be sacrificed. Karina Elwood, Washington Post, 25 Feb. 2024 Gabriela Larsen is an alumni of Whitney’s Air Force Junior ROTC program. Emma Hall, Sacramento Bee, 23 Feb. 2024 Several of the filmmakers, including Lin, Prince-Bythewood, Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris, Brad Silberling and Alexander Payne, are alumni of UCLA, which sits just a block away from the theater. Josh Rottenberg, Los Angeles Times, 21 Feb. 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers, alumni, coaches and other stars are expected to attend. Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alumnus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alumnus was in 1645

Dictionary Entries Near alumnus

Cite this Entry

“Alumnus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alumnus. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

alumnus

noun
alum·​nus ə-ˈləm-nəs How to pronounce alumnus (audio)
plural alumni -ˌnī How to pronounce alumnus (audio)
: 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

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