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

The school, college or university a person attended.

"He returned to his alma mater to give the address."

How to use alma mater

Learner’s notes

In 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.

From Latin, literally "nourishing mother" — originally a title for goddesses, later applied to the institution that educated you.

Origin: Latin

pater mater eater tater later cater hater Water heater skater grater beater

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."