alumna

[uh-luhm-nuh]

noun

plural

alumnae 

1. a woman who is a graduate or former student of a specific school, college, or university.

alumna

/ əˈlʌmnə /

noun

1. a female graduate of a school, college, etc

Gender Note

What's the difference between alumna, alumnus, and alum? See alumnus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alumna¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–45; from Latin: literally, “foster daughter, pupil”; feminine of alumnus

Word History and Origins

Origin of alumna¹

C19: feminine of _alumnus

Example Sentences

“It’s a very different program to other summers,” said Gallegos, who is an alumna of the program.

From Los Angeles Times

In the video, the “American Idol” alumna reflects on the changes she had on her song “Piece by Piece,” which she first wrote about Blackstock.

From Los Angeles Times

The residency is scheduled to pick up again in September when the “American Idol” alumna has four shows on the calendar.

From Los Angeles Times

District Judge Lewis J. Liman on Wednesday filed an order denying the “Gossip Girl” alumna’s request to keep her messages with Swift out of litigation, according to legal documents reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

“Shrinking” star Segel, 45, popped the question to girlfriend and “So You Think You Can Dance” alumna Radomski, 34, she revealed on Wednesday on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alum 
• graduate 

When To Use

What’s the difference between alumna, alumnus, and alumni?

An alumna is a female graduate of a school, such as a high school or university.In Latin, alumnus specifically refers to a male graduate, and sometimes this distinction is carried into English. However, alumnus is also commonly used in a gender-neutral way, as is its plural, alumni.What is the plural of alumna?The plural of alumna is alumnae. This follows the plural ending construction used in other Latin-derived words, like antenna and antennae.The informal shortening alum is used to refer to a single graduate (regardless of gender). It’s sometimes pluralized as alums.Here’s an example of alumna and alumnae used correctly in the same sentence.Example: As an alumna, you share something with all of the alumnae, regardless of when each of you graduated. Want to learn more? Read the breakdown of the difference between alumnus and alumni.