posthumous

[ pos-chuh-muhs, -choo- ]

adjective

1. arising, occurring, or continuing after one's death:

   a posthumous award for bravery.

2. published after the death of the author:

   a posthumous novel.

3. born after the death of the father.

posthumous

/ ˈpɒstjʊməs /

adjective

1. happening or continuing after one's death
2. (of a book, etc) published after the author's death
3. (of a child) born after the father's death

Derived Forms

• ˈposthumously, adverb

Other Words From

• post·hu·mous·ly adverb
• post·hu·mous·ness noun
• non·post·hu·mous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of posthumous¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin postumus “last-born, born after the death of the father” (in form a superlative of posterus; posterior ); post-classical spelling with h by association with humus “ground, earth,” as if referring to burial

Word History and Origins

Origin of posthumous¹

C17: from Latin postumus the last, but modified as though from Latin post after + humus earth, that is, after the burial

Example Sentences

A Glasgow firefighter who died in one of the city’s worst peacetime tragedies is among the first recipients of a new posthumous royal award honouring public servants killed in the line of duty.

From BBC

Payne’s track “Do No Wrong” was set for a posthumous release last week, but plans were swiftly put on hold after fans pushed back.

From Los Angeles Times

The future of Payne’s posthumous music and television work remains uncertain.

From Los Angeles Times

The Russian dissident’s posthumous memoir, “Patriot,” is funny, tragic and somehow optimistic about the future of his beloved country.

From Los Angeles Times

The New Yorker and the Times have published excepts from the book, a posthumous record of Navalny's last years, including those he spent imprisoned.

From BBC