penultimate

American  

[pi-nuhl-tuh-mit] / pɪˈnʌl tə mɪt /

adjective

1. next to the last.

   the penultimate scene of the play.

2. of or relating to a penult or the next to the last syllable in a word.

   In the word appropriate, -pri- is the penultimate syllable.

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noun

1. a penult.

penultimate British  

/ pɪˈnʌltɪmɪt /

adjective

1. next to the last

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noun

1. anything that is next to the last, esp a penult

Etymology

Origin of penultimate

First recorded in 1670–80; penult, ultimate

Example Sentences

The penultimate track, “Paint by Numbers,” an acoustic ballad with a pretty melody, is a rare aesthetic change-up on the record, but its titular metaphor is ultimately deflating.

From The Wall Street Journal

When undefeated France visit Murrayfield on Saturday in the penultimate round of the Six Nations, every facet of Scotland's game will be tested.

From BBC

With the bat, they started slowly in this tournament but gained momentum by scoring 256-4 against Zimbabwe in the penultimate match of the Super 8s.

From BBC

Holder was run out off the penultimate ball of the innings for 49 off 31 balls with three maximums.

From Barron's

He learned about Red Bull's decision to promote him to their second team at last year's Qatar Grand Prix, where he was competing in the penultimate round of the Formula 2 championship.

From BBC