penult

[pee-nuhlt, pi-nuhlt]

noun

the next to the last syllable in a word.

Nearby words

Also pe·nul·ti·ma

[pi-nuhl-tuh-muh] /pɪˈnʌl tə mə/.

Origin of penult

1530–40; < Latin paenultima (syllaba), contraction of paene ultima almost the last; see pen-, ultima

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for penult

The accent is usually on the penult vowel, sometimes on the last, but never on the antipenult.
A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. 5|Robert Kerr
In such words the accent stands upon the penult, even though that be short.
New Latin Grammar|Charles E. Bennett
The accent must fall on the penult, if it was long, otherwise on the antepenult of the word.
The Common People of Ancient Rome|Frank Frost Abbott
Note (a) In words of two syllables, it falls on the penult: Cir´-ce.
The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911)|Charles Mills Gayley

The Indian name is pronounced as if written “Thayendanauga,” with accent on penult.
The American Revolution|John Fiske

British Dictionary definitions for penult

penult

penultima (pɪˈnʌltɪmə)

noun

the last syllable but one in a word

Word Origin for penult

C16: Latin paenultima syllaba, from paene ultima almost 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

Word Origin and History for penult

penult

adj.

"last but one," 1530s, abbreviation of penultima. As a noun from 1570s.