aftermath
Americannoun
noun
-
signs or results of an event or occurrence considered collectively, esp of a catastrophe or disaster
the aftermath of war
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agriculture a second mowing or crop of grass from land that has already yielded one crop earlier in the same year
Etymology
Origin of aftermath
1515–25; after + math a mowing, Old English mǣth; cognate with Old High German mād ( German Mahd ); akin to mow 1
Explanation
The aftermath of a car crash might include a broken fender, a sprained rib, and a lecture from a police officer. The consequences of an unpleasant event make up its aftermath. The math in aftermath does not refer to adding or subtracting numbers, rather it is related to a Germanic word for mowing, or harvest. If you have been mowed down by a class of excited first graders, the aftermath might be a bruised knee, a headache from all of the squealing, and red face from embarrassment.
Vocabulary lists containing aftermath
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Stargirl
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A US B-52 bomber crashed in California on Monday, Edwards Air Force Base said on social media, with pictures showing the aftermath of a large fire that appeared to have destroyed the aircraft.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
There appeared to be very little left of the plane, with a journalist in a broadcast helicopter speaking of a "large plume" of black smoke that had been visible in the aftermath of the crash.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
Conor has suffered prolonged effects from the aftermath of Jacob's birth.
From BBC • Jun. 14, 2026
Shares of Rocket Lab, AST, Planet Labs and other space stocks tumbled in the aftermath.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
“He appreciated the solace I afforded him in the aftermath of the gleaning,” she told Citra.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
