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Alumni

uh-LUM-ny /əˈlʌmnaɪ/

noun (plural)B2

formalacademic

Graduates or former students of a particular school, college, or university.

Always refers to former students. The singular forms are 'alumnus' (male) and 'alumna' (female), and the plural for mixed gender or all-female is 'alumnae.' However, 'alumni' is commonly used as a gender-neutral plural.

The story behind the word. 'Alumni' comes directly from the Latin word alumnus, which originally meant 'foster son' or 'pupil,' derived from the verb alere, meaning 'to nourish.' The idea is that the institution 'nourished' or educated its students. The plural form alumni (for males or mixed groups) and alumnae (for females) evolved to refer to the collective body of former students who were 'nourished' by their alma mater (literally 'nourishing mother').

Word relationships

Graduates: more general, simply means those who have completed a degree
Former students: a descriptive phrase, less formal

Students: current attendees
Faculty: teaching staff

Commonly confused with

Faculty: 'Alumni' are former students; 'faculty' are current or former teaching staff.

Word family

Alumnus (noun (singular, male)): a male graduate or former student
Alumna (noun (singular, female)): a female graduate or former student
Alumnae (noun (plural, female)): female graduates or former students

Collocations

alumni network
alumni association
distinguished alumni
alumni relations
alumni donations

Example sentences

"The university's alumni network is a powerful resource for career connections and mentorship." Referring to the collective group.
"Many generous alumni contribute financially to their alma mater, supporting scholarships and new facilities." Referring to donors.
"The annual alumni reunion brings together graduates from various decades." Referring to an event.

Memory hook

ALUMNI are the ALUM (like aluminum, a strong metal) of the school, strong and supportive. Nourished by alma mater.

When not to use

Don't use 'alumni' for current students or for people who attended a school but did not graduate (unless specified by the institution's definition).

Fun facts

The term 'alma mater' (Latin for 'nourishing mother') is often used by alumni to refer to their former university.
Alumni networks play a crucial role in fundraising, mentorship, and maintaining a university's reputation.