alma mater

[ahl-muh mah-ter, al-, al-muh mey-ter] / ˈɑl mə ˈmɑ tər, ˈæl-, ˈæl mə ˈmeɪ tər /

NOUN

school from which one has graduated

Synonyms

STRONGEST

academy

WEAK

college institution old school place of graduation place of matriculation university

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hampshire College, alma mater of filmmaker Ken Burns, announced in April that it will close after the fall semester.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026

We have no heirs and plan to leave our assets to an endowed scholarship at my alma mater, plus a smaller gift to a local university program.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

To some donors, their love for their alma mater may outweigh any tax benefit.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

He’s a Granada Hills High graduate and was a teacher and girls’ basketball coach at his alma mater “forever.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

And what connection could there possibly be between the Ashtons and the wise old founder of Penelope’s alma mater?

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

alma mater

Example Sentences

Related Words