Alumnus vs. Alumni vs. Alumna vs. Alumnae
Traditionally, “alumnus” is singular and “alumni” is its plural; “alumna” is a singular woman and “alumnae” its plural. Cambridge also notes that “alumni” is often used for mixed-gender groups, so audience and institutional style can affect the preferred form.
Use “alumnus” for one man, “alumna” for one woman, “alumni” for multiple alumni (often including mixed groups), and “alumnae” for multiple women in the traditional Latin set.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Number / traditional gender | Form | Use |
|---|---|---|
| one man | alumnus | traditional singular masculine form |
| one woman | alumna | traditional singular feminine form |
| more than one man or mixed group in common modern institutional use | alumni | plural; often used for mixed groups |
| more than one woman | alumnae | traditional feminine plural |
Quick tests
Number first test
Are you referring to one person or more than one?
If yes: Choose the singular form that fits the person/institutional style.
If no: Choose the appropriate plural; “alumni” is widely used for mixed groups, while “alumnae” is the traditional all-women plural.
Caveat: Modern institutions may use broader or gender-neutral alternatives. Follow the institution’s stated preference when writing about its community.
Examples
She is an alumna of the university.
Traditional singular feminine form.
The university invited alumni from several graduating classes.
“Alumni” is a plural and is commonly used for mixed groups.
He is an alumni of the college.
Better: He is an alumnus of the college.
For one man in the traditional set, use the singular “alumnus.”
Further guidance
Modern Usage Boundary
Cambridge notes that “alumni” is often used for either or both sexes in mixed educational contexts, so the traditional gendered paradigm is not the only modern institutional practice.
Number Boundary
“Alumnus” and “alumna” are singular forms; “alumni” and “alumnae” are plural forms.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- alumnus — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Alumnus singular and alumni plural, including mixed-group usage note
- alumna — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Alumna singular and alumnae plural for women