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
Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 6 June 2025
An accompanying section featuring successful alumni of past 30 Under 30 lists ties in with our traditional wealth coverage.
—Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
When Garber first pledged to challenge Trump, alumni donations surged.
—Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 5 June 2025
That fuss would, in turn, ruffle the complacent country club and horsey set, the church folk, and the Cavalier-mad UVA alumni who had never quite left behind their college days.
—Deborah Baker
june 3, Literary Hub, 3 June 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 10 Jun. 2025.
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alumnus
noun
Latin, literally "foster son," from alere "to nourish" — related to alimentary, alma mater
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