'powderpost' originates from English, specifically formed from the compound of the words 'powder' and 'post', where 'powder' (from Old French 'poudre') meant 'fine dry particles' and 'post' referred to a piece of timber or stake.

'powderpost' developed from earlier descriptive phrases such as 'powder-post beetle' (referring to beetles that leave powder) and from references to 'powder' affecting 'posts' or timber; over time the compound 'powderpost' came into use to name both the beetles and the powdery damage they cause.

Initially the elements described 'powder' + 'post' (a post or timber affected by powder); over time the compound has come to denote both the beetles that produce the powdery frass and the powdery residue/damaged wood itself.