People who have graduated from or previously attended a particular school, college, or university. It can sometimes be used more broadly for former members of an organization.
From Latin *alumnus* (male foster child, pupil) and *alumna* (female), with *alumni* as the masculine or mixed-gender plural. The root comes from *alere*, meaning “to nourish or feed,” reflecting the idea of the institution as a “nourishing” parent.
Originally, an *alumnus* was a foster child, not just a graduate, which makes a school sound like a second parent. Strict Latin has different forms (*alumnae*, *alumni*), but modern English often just says “alumni” for everyone. The word quietly carries the idea that education ‘feeds’ you.
'Alumnus' and 'alumni' originated as masculine Latin forms, and for a long time male graduates were the default reference group in higher education. As more women attended universities, 'alumna' and 'alumnae' emerged, but institutional language often lagged in recognizing women equally.
Use 'alumni' as a gender-neutral plural for all graduates, or 'alums' in informal contexts; avoid assuming male default when talking about a graduating class.
["alums","graduates"]
When referencing alumni achievements, include and name women and gender-diverse graduates whose contributions have historically been overlooked.
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