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
Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Trainor said Cox and the alumni association have been very supportive of Trainor’s roles serving as moderator at SEC media days and working the College Football Playoff national championship game and other events as a representative of Arkansas.
—Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 21 July 2025
Its alumni list includes 2025 Lake Central graduate Joshua Flores, who was picked in the fourth round of the MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.
—Dave Melton, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2025
Donta’ Wilson’s focus at UNC Charlotte Wilson highlighted the strength of the university’s alumni base, which stands at 178,000.
—Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alumnus
Cite this Entry
“Alumnus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alumnus. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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alumnus
noun
Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater
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