alma mater
noun
al·ma ma·ter
ˌal-mə-ˈmä-tər 
1
: a school, college, or university which one has attended or from which one has graduated
went to a class reunion at his alma mater
2
: the song or hymn of a school, college, or university
"Hey, Harvard boy, sing your alma mater!" shouted an obnoxious producer.—
Phil Kloer
Phil KloerExamples of alma mater in a Sentence
I visited my old alma mater last week.
Recent Examples on the Web
The younger Gustafson developed as a youth hockey player in San Jose and committed to play at his dad’s alma mater, Colorado College.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 June 2025
Listen to this article At an eighth grade graduation last week at his alma mater, John A. Walsh Elementary School in Pilsen, outgoing schools chief Pedro Martinez recounted to parents and students how one teacher — Mr. Asher — turned the trajectory of his life around.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Among her most notable gifts is a $1 million pledge to Southwestern Law School, Leichtman’s alma mater, to provide financial assistance for students interested in business and provide them with a mentor at LLCP.
—Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
On Monday, an amicus brief was submitted to the court that featured the signatures of more than 12,000 Harvard alumni in support of their alma mater.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alma mater
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 15 June 2025
Listen to this article At an eighth grade graduation last week at his alma mater, John A. Walsh Elementary School in Pilsen, outgoing schools chief Pedro Martinez recounted to parents and students how one teacher — Mr. Asher — turned the trajectory of his life around.
—Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2025
Among her most notable gifts is a $1 million pledge to Southwestern Law School, Leichtman’s alma mater, to provide financial assistance for students interested in business and provide them with a mentor at LLCP.
—Giacomo Tognini, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
On Monday, an amicus brief was submitted to the court that featured the signatures of more than 12,000 Harvard alumni in support of their alma mater.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 10 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for alma mater
Cite this Entry
“Alma mater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alma%20mater. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alma mater
noun
al·ma ma·ter
ˌal-mə-ˈmät-ər
: a school, college, or university that one has attended
Etymology
Latin, literally "fostering mother," from almus "nourishing" (from alire "to nourish") and mater "mother" — related to alimentary, maternal
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share