postern: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareFormal, Literary, Historical, Architectural
Quick answer
What does “postern” mean?
A small, secondary door or gate, typically at the back or side of a fortress or building.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, secondary door or gate, typically at the back or side of a fortress or building.
Any inconspicuous or hidden entrance; figuratively, a secret or private means of access.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally archaic and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of antiquity, fortifications, and literary style.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, possibly slightly more frequent in UK contexts due to a greater density of historical structures and literature referencing them, but this is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “postern” in a Sentence
enter/exit through the posternleave by the posterna postern leading to [location]a postern in the [wall/gate/fortification]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “postern” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No established verb use.
American English
- No established verb use.
adverb
British English
- No established adverb use.
American English
- No established adverb use.
adjective
British English
- No established adjective use.
American English
- No established adjective use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, literary, or architectural texts and discussions.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation. Would be understood only by highly literate speakers.
Technical
Used in historical architecture, castle studies, and historical reenactment contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “postern”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “postern”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “postern”
- Misspelling as 'poster', 'postman', or 'pastern'.
- Using it to refer to a main or modern door.
- Incorrect pronunciation stressing the second syllable (/poʊˈstɜːrn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialized word used primarily in historical, literary, or architectural contexts.
A postern is a small, secondary, and often concealed entrance, while the main gate is the large, primary, and conspicuous entrance to a fortified structure.
Yes, in literary or formal contexts, it can metaphorically refer to any secret, private, or indirect means of access to something (e.g., 'a postern to knowledge').
No, 'postern' is only used as a noun in contemporary and historical English.
A small, secondary door or gate, typically at the back or side of a fortress or building.
Postern is usually formal, literary, historical, architectural in register.
Postern: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒstən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːstərn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common use. The word itself is used figuratively as a metaphor for a secret or discreet means of access.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'POST at the backERN' – a small door at the back or side where a postern might have been guarded.
Conceptual Metaphor
A POSTERN IS A SECRET PATH (e.g., 'a postern to power' implying a discreet way to gain influence).
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'postern' LEAST likely to be used accurately?