An alumnus (/əˈlʌmnəs/; masculine, plural alumni /əˈlʌmnaɪ/) or an alumna (/əˈlʌmnə/; feminine, plural alumnae /əˈlʌmniː/) is a former student or pupil of a school, college, or university. Commonly, but not always, the word refers to a graduate of the educational institute in question. An alumnus can also be a former member, employee, contributor, or inmate, as well as a former student.