posterity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun all of the offspring of a given progenitor
    descendants.
    • we must secure the benefits of freedom for ourselves and our posterity
  2. noun all future generations

WordNet

Pos*ter"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. posteritas: cf. F. postérité. See Posterior.
Definitions
  1. The race that proceeds from a progenitor; offspring to the furthest generation; the aggregate number of persons who are descended from an ancestor of a generation; descendants; -- contrasted with ancestry; as, the posterity of Abraham.
    If [the crown] should not stand in thy posterity. Shak.
  2. Succeeding generations; future times. Shak.
    Their names shall be transmitted to posterity. Shak.
    Their names shall be transmitted to posterity. Smalridge.

Webster 1913