alumnus
noun
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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
Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2026
Artistic Edge Dance Centre preps dancers for professional opportunities, and many alumni who trained there have moved on to professional jobs and college dance programs throughout the country, Smutek said.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 13 Feb. 2026
Amy Hall, the daughter of a former adviser to the student newspaper, and Jon Womastek, a UCO alumni, who filed the complaints, both said they were disappointed by the committee’s analysis.
—Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, 12 Feb. 2026
Cofounded by two Lululemon alumni, including Aaron Jackson, a sourcing executive, and Hou Xi, Outopia was launched in Shanghai in 2021.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alumnus
Cite this Entry
“Alumnus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alumnus. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
alumnus
noun
Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater
