postern

noun

pos·​tern ˈpō-stərn How to pronounce postern (audio) ˈpä- How to pronounce postern (audio)
1
: a back door or gate
2
: a private or side entrance or way
postern adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English posterne, from Anglo-French, alteration of Old French posterle, from Late Latin posterula, diminutive of postera back door, from Latin, feminine of posterus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of postern was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near postern

Cite this Entry

“Postern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/postern. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

postern

noun
pos·​tern ˈpōs-tərn How to pronounce postern (audio) ˈpäs- How to pronounce postern (audio)
1
: a back door or gate
2
: a private or side entrance or way
postern adjective

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