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alumnus

noun alum·nus \ ə-ˈləm-nəs \

Definition of alumnus

plural alumni play \-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

See alumnus defined for English-language learners

See alumnus defined for kids

Examples of alumnus in a Sentence

Her parents are alumni of the state university.

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.

Origin and Etymology of alumnus

Latin, foster son, pupil, from alere to nourish — more at old

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1645

See Words from the same year

Other Education Terms

baccalaureate, colloquium, corequisite, dissertation, monograph, pedant, practicum, survey course, thesis

ALUMNUS Defined for Kids

alumnus

noun alum·nus \ ə-ˈləm-nəs \

Definition of alumnus for Students

plural alumni \-ˌnī\

:a person who has attended or has graduated from a school, college, or university

Learn More about alumnus

Spanish Central: Translation of alumnus Nglish: Translation of alumnus for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of alumnus for Arabic speakers

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

alumnal

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alumnus

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a lump in one's throat

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Examples: alumnus in a Sentence

Editor's Note: Alumnus or Alumna?