What does alumni mean?
Alumni are the former students or graduates of a particular school, college, or university, viewed either individually or as a collective body. The term functions as a plural noun — the plural of 'alumnus' (a male graduate) and, in traditional usage, distinct from 'alumnae', the plural of 'alumna' (a female graduate) — although today 'alumni' is routinely used for graduates of any gender. Institutions cultivate strong bonds with their alumni through associations, reunions, newsletters, and fundraising campaigns, and being an 'alumnus' or member of the alumni often signals lasting affiliation and pride. The word traces back to Latin, where 'alumnus' meant a foster child or nursling — someone nourished and raised by another — which is why schools affectionately treat their graduates as intellectual offspring. Informally, especially in American English, the clipped form 'alum' is common. Whether at a homecoming football game or a networking event, 'alumni' evokes shared history, loyalty, and lifelong connection to one's alma mater.
nounThe plural of alumnus: the former students or graduates of a particular school, college, or university.
- The former students or graduates of a school, college, or university, considered collectively or individually.
"The university's alumni gathered on campus for their annual reunion."
"Harvard's alumni include eight U.S. presidents."
"She remains active in her college's alumni network, mentoring recent graduates."
'Alumni' is itself a plural noun and should not be used with an '-s' suffix. For a single male or unspecified-gender graduate use 'alumnus', for a female graduate 'alumna', and informally 'alum' for either.
"Correct: 'Three alumni spoke at the ceremony.' Incorrect: 'three alumnis.'"
In ancient Rome, an alumnus was a 'foster child' — so when a university calls you its alumnus, it's claiming you as family it helped raise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of alumni
The word comes directly from Latin 'alumnus', meaning a foster child, ward, or pupil — literally one who is 'nourished' (from the verb 'alere', to feed or nurture). Universities adopted the term to describe their graduates as people they had intellectually nurtured. It entered English usage in the early modern period alongside the revival of classical learning, and cognates from the same Latin root include 'alimony' and the adjective 'alimentary'.
Related word forms
How alumni is actually used
Strictly speaking, 'alumni' is the masculine or mixed-gender plural and 'alumnae' the feminine plural, though in modern usage 'alumni' commonly serves as the general plural for all graduates. The informal shortened form 'alum' is widely used in American English. The word carries warm connotations of institutional loyalty and shared identity.
Easily confused with alumni
Alumni traditionally refers to male graduates or a mixed group, while alumnae refers specifically to female graduates.