alumna
Noun A female graduate or former student of a particular school, college, or university.
The word "alumna" is used to refer specifically to a woman who has graduated from or attended an educational institution. It is the feminine singular form. It is often used in formal or institutional contexts, such as alumni associations, newsletters, or official events.
- She is an alumna of Harvard Law School.
- The university invited a distinguished alumna to give the commencement speech.
- As an alumna, she frequently donates to her alma mater's scholarship fund.
- Alumna Emerita: An honorary title for a distinguished female former student or graduate, often used in an academic context to denote retired status with honor.
- The college celebrated the lifetime achievements of Professor Chen, now an alumna emerita.
- Alumnae (plural): The plural form for a group of female graduates or former students.
- The alumnae of the class of 1995 organized a reunion.
- Alumnus (singular, masculine): A male graduate or former student.
- Alumni (plural, masculine or mixed-gender group): The plural form for a group of male graduates or a mixed-gender group of graduates.
- Alum (singular, gender-neutral, informal): A casual, gender-neutral term for a graduate or former student.
- Alma Mater: The school, college, or university that one has attended.
- Graduate
- Former student
- Graduate (when used as a noun, e.g., "a graduate of Yale")
The core meaning is specifically a female who is a former member of a student body. While the reference definition states "a person who has received a degree," the term "alumna" can also apply to a female who attended an institution but did not necessarily graduate, though this usage is less formal and may be specified as a "non-graduating alumna." The primary emphasis is on the former affiliation with the institution.
- a person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)