# alumni

/əˈɫəmˌnaɪ/ (US) · /ɐlˈʌmni/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alumni
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. former students as a group

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the people who have graduated from a school or university.

For teachers: the collective body of graduates or former students of a specific institution. Historically the masculine plural, it now serves as the standard collective noun for all former students regardless of gender.

- The university invited all its alumni to a special dinner to celebrate the anniversary.
- The university's alumni association maintains a global network that provides mentorship and career opportunities for recent graduates.

Usage: Usually functions as a plural noun taking a plural verb.

Teaching tip: While some speakers use 'alumni' for a single person in casual speech, this is considered incorrect in academic or formal contexts.

## Examples

- The university invites all alumni to the homecoming game.
- The school relies on its alumni for donations and to mentor current students entering the workforce.
- The prestigious institution boasts an impressive network of alumni, including several Nobel laureates and former heads of state who frequently return for guest lectures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.