'post-imperial' originates from the Latin prefix 'post-' meaning 'after' and the word 'imperial' from Latin 'imperialis', meaning 'of the empire'.

'post-imperial' evolved from the combination of 'post-' and 'imperial', reflecting the transition from imperial rule to a new era.

Initially, it referred to the time immediately following the end of an empire, but now it broadly encompasses the cultural, political, and social changes after imperial rule.