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

Explanation

If something’s the penultimate, then it’s the second to last thing in a series. If you’re watching the penultimate episode of your favorite TV show, you know that there’s only one more episode to go. Penultimate came into English in the 17th century from the Latin word paenultimus, a combination of paene, meaning “almost,” and ultimus, meaning “last.” So if something’s penultimate, it’s “almost last”: more specifically, it’s next to last. If you’re reading a book with 20 chapters, chapter 19 is the penultimate chapter. If you’re a fan of grammar terms, you might already know that penultimate can refer to a word’s next to last syllable, called a penult.

Example Sentences

Positioning himself towards the front heading into the penultimate lap, Kerr hit the front at the bell and proved too strong as Hocker attempted to close the gap in the closing stages.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Wednesday’s meeting is slated to be Powell’s penultimate as chair, assuming that nominee Kevin Warsh is confirmed in time for the June 16-17 meeting.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

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 • Mar. 10, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The squares on the board in front of me are filling up: I’m making my penultimate play of the night.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood