alumna

noun

alum·na ə-ˈləm-nə

plural alumnae ə-ˈləm-(ˌ)nē

also -ˌnī

: a girl or woman who has attended or has graduated from a particular school, college, or university

an alumna of Smith College

: a girl or woman who is a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate

an alumna of a TV series

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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 alumna in a Sentence

a group of Harvard alumnae

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Western Arkansas Ballet alumna Kelsey Corder, currently a member of the American Midwest Ballet company in Omaha, Neb., dances the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with Casey Kelley, also with American Midwest Ballet, as her Cavalier. —

Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 14 Dec. 2024 District 3 Council member and Fisk alumna Jennifer Gamble said the incubator program itself is up and running with its first cohort of businesses, but the renovation of Burrus Hall is delayed. —

Cassandra Stephenson, The Tennessean, 5 June 2024 In Art & Style, the 2025 list was judged by celebrity stylist Law Roach; principal ballet dancer Misty Copeland; artist and photographer Petra Collins, an Under 30 list alumna; and designer Betsey Johnson, founder of her eponymous label. —

Simone Melvin, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 An alumna of Staples High School in Westport, Porter plays The Kate in Old Saybrook on Nov. 23 at 8 p.m. $54. —

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alumna