postmodern

American  

[pohst-mod-ern] / poʊstˈmɒd ərn /

adjective

1. noting or pertaining to architecture of the late 20th century, appearing in the 1960s, that consciously uses complex forms, fantasy, and allusions to historic styles, in contrast to the austere forms and emphasis on utility of standard modern architecture.

2. extremely modern; cutting-edge.

   postmodern kids who grew up on MTV.

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postmodern British  

/ pəʊstˈmɒdən /

adjective

1. (in the arts, architecture, etc) characteristic of a style and school of thought that rejects the dogma and practices of any form of modernism; in architecture, contrasting with international modernism and featuring elements from several periods, esp the Classical, often with ironic use of decoration

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Other Word Forms

• postmodernism
  noun
• postmodernist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of postmodern

First recorded in 1945–50; post- + modern

Example Sentences

"Even traditional events should be changed to suit modern ethics and social conventions," she says.

From BBC • Jun. 30, 2023

With an exclusive opinion poll ahead of the coronation, Panorama asks if the new King will adapt the monarchy to suit modern times.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2023

Enticing antipasti, new thin pizzas, and the pasta, fish and vegetable dishes suit modern ideas of good nutrition, as well as the desires of grazers.

From Time Magazine Archive

Strategic Air, antisubmarine warfare, continental defense, to suit modern operational requirements.

From Time Magazine Archive

Let us, however, omit entirely those myths that are not suitable rather than attempt making them over to suit modern conceptions.

From Children's Literature A Textbook of Sources for Teachers and Teacher-Training Classes by Clippinger, Erle Elsworth