alma mater

[ ahl-muh mah-ter, al-; al-muh mey-ter ]

noun

1. a school, college, or university at which one has studied and, usually, from which one has graduated.
2. the official anthem of a school, college, or university.

alma mater

/ ˈmeɪtə; ˈælmə ˈmɑːtə /

noun

1. often capitals one's school, college, or university

alma mater

1. The school or university from which one graduated. The term also refers to a school's official song: “The reunion began with everyone singing the alma mater.” From Latin , meaning “nurturing mother.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of alma mater¹

< Latin: nourishing (i.e., dear) mother

Word History and Origins

Origin of alma mater¹

C17: from Latin: bountiful mother

Idioms and Phrases

Also, Alma Mater . The school or college one attended and, usually, graduated from, as in During football season I always check to see how my alma mater is doing . This expression sometimes refers to the institution's official song, as in I never did learn the words to my college's alma mater . The term is Latin for “kind mother.” [c. 1800]

Example Sentences

Tahj Ariza, Westchester, 6-8, Jr: Playing at his father’s alma mater offers unique opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times

Casey Clausen, the football coach at Bishop Alemany for the last seven seasons, said Friday he is stepping down from his alma mater.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s been a tough time for our family. I’m thankful for the opportunity to coach at my alma mater.”

From Los Angeles Times

Terril Jones, a graduate of the class of 1980 and a former member of the Pomona College Alumni Assn., said he worries that wearing his 47 hat in public might be seen as a political statement instead of a show of affection for his alma mater.

From Los Angeles Times

“A fundamental principle of American democracy is that when we lose an election, we accept the results,” Harris told a crowd at her alma mater, Howard University.

From Salon

Related Words

• academy