: 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 Livealumnus
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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.
Example Sentences
Her parents are alumni of the state university.
Recent Examples on the WebGeorge is a Plantation alumnus and was rated a four-star prospect in 247Sports’ composite rating. Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2022 David Brewer, a retired vice admiral of the U.S. Navy, was also a Callahan alumnus after moving to Florida from Virginia with his family at a young age. Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2022 As with the players from Alabama and Georgia, Brown is an SEC alumnus as a former Ole Miss standout. Mark Inabinett | Minabinett@al.com, al, 8 May 2022 The Tisch School of the Arts will launch an academic and production institute in honor of alumnus Martin Scorsese thanks to a gift from George Lucas and Mellody Hobson. Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Aug. 2022 Watson, a 26-year-old native of Gainesville, Georgia, and Clemson University alumnus, has been in the NFL since 2017. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 1 Aug. 2022 On April 1, a company run by another aggrieved White alumnus filed a lawsuit in state court against VMI and NewPoint Strategies asking a judge to halt the contract.Washington Post, 16 Apr. 2022 An Alabama and Virginia alumnus, Key went undrafted in 2020 after averaging 9.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as a senior. Omari Sankofa Ii, Detroit Free Press, 26 Mar. 2022 The Carthage alumnus has a 2.93 ERA in 12 games this season, appearing mostly at Class A. Jr Radcliffe, Journal Sentinel, 27 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Latin, foster son, pupil, from alere to nourish — more at old