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
Gabriel Burns, AJC.com, 26 Apr. 2026 The program has placed alumni at Cannes, Berlinale, Venice and Locarno, among other major festivals. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026 Regis will also store all important academic information for alumni, including transcripts and degree certifications. —Samantha Chaney, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026 Palantir has always had a secretive reputation, forbidding employees from speaking to the press and requiring alumni to sign non-disparagement agreements. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alumnus
Cite this Entry
“Alumnus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/alumnus. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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alumnus
noun
Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater
