Etymology Map
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Alumnus

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a former student of a school or university

Where does the word "alumnus" come from? It comes from Latin alumnus, adopted directly into English (1690s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
alumnus
Latin · ancient
"foster child, pupil"
from 'alere', to nourish; the same root as 'alimony' and 'alma mater'
2
Stage 2 of 2
alumnus
English · 1690s
"a former student"
American colleges popularized it for graduates
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Read the full story

Alumnus’s story begins in Latin: alumnus meant “foster child, pupil.” From 'alere', to nourish; the same root as 'alimony' and 'alma mater'. It reached English by 1690s as alumnus. American colleges popularized it for graduates. Today, alumnus means a former student of a school or university.