# postwar

/ˈpoʊstˈwɔɹ/ (US) · /pˈəʊstwɔː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/postwar
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

happening or existing in the period after a war has ended. It usually refers to the years following World War II.

For teachers: occurring or existing in the period immediately following a war. Typically used to describe the social, economic, or political conditions after World War II.

## Examples

- The postwar years were a time of great change.
- Many European cities underwent massive reconstruction projects during the postwar period to repair damage from the conflict.
- The postwar economic boom transformed the nation's middle class, leading to unprecedented levels of suburban development and consumer spending throughout the 1950s.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun. Often written as 'post-war' in British English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.