noun
alma mater
AL-muh MAH-tur
Alma mater (noun) means the school, college or university a person attended. Example: “He returned to his alma mater to give the address.”
noun
1
The school, college or university a person attended.
"He returned to his alma mater to give the address."
"However, a new analysis from Trump’s alma mater suggests that his immigration crackdown – a centerpiece of his second term – could do the exact opposite."
— Matt Egan, How Trump’s mass deportations could backfire on the American economy by shrinking paychecks (2025)
"I’m in the place where I grew up, where my alma mater is."
— Stephen Roberts, Stories and facts behind railway plaques: Evesham (1870) (2021)
How to use alma mater
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe school or university you went to.
When to use it
Slightly formal; normally lower case and unitalicised in modern English.
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He returned to his _____ to give the address.
Etymology
From Latin, literally "nourishing mother" — originally a title for goddesses, later applied to the institution that educated you.
Rhymes for alma mater
See all rhymes for alma mater →Frequently asked questions
What does alma mater mean?
The school or university you attended. It can also refer to that institution's anthem.
What is the literal translation of alma mater?
"Nourishing mother" in Latin — the idea being that the institution fed and raised you intellectually.
What is the meaning of alma mater?
"alma mater" (noun) means the school, college or university a person attended.
How do you use alma mater in a sentence?
Example: "He returned to his alma mater to give the address."
