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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.


noun

  1. a penult.

penultimate British  
/ pɪˈnʌltɪmɪt /

adjective

  1. next to the last

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of penultimate

First recorded in 1670–80; penult, ultimate

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.

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

The teams traded points after that until Canada struck a crucial blow in the penultimate end.

From Barron's

Bruce Mouat's world champions were on the brink of a shock early exit in Italy after losing their penultimate round-robin match to Canada.

From BBC

After a neck and neck race with Korea, in which the Italians briefly took the lead but were overtaken on the penultimate lap, the hosts took silver and Fontana got her medal.

From BBC