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postbellum

American  
[pohst-bel-uhm] / poʊstˈbɛl əm /

adjective

  1. occurring after a war, especially after the American Civil War.

    postbellum reforms.


Etymology

Origin of postbellum

First recorded in 1870–75, postbellum is from Latin post bellum “after the war”

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.

Although North Korea has relentlessly suppressed religion and vilified American missionaries, the origins of this hereditary cult are found in a surprising place: Protestant Christianity, and in particular, postbellum American Presbyterianism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 11, 2026

The movie drew controversy for its depiction of postbellum plantation life and has never been released on home video or streaming as a result.

From Washington Times • Dec. 3, 2022

For a prosperous Black man in postbellum Arkansas, there are plenty of good reasons to shut out curious strangers.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2022

Few men participated so completely in the postbellum American experience.

From Slate • Mar. 26, 2013

That is why the postbellum terrors of reconstruction were practically unknown in the State.

From The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come by Fox, John