penult

[ pee-nuhlt, pi-nuhlt ]

noun

1. the next to the last syllable in a word.

penult

/ ˈpɛnʌlt; pɪˈnʌlt; pɪˈnʌltɪmə /

noun

1. the last syllable but one in a word

Word History and Origins

Origin of penult¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of penult¹

C16: Latin paenultima syllaba, from paene ultima almost the last

Example Sentences

This anie eare may if he accent the antepenult matrmonie, or the penult matrimnie, or the last as matrimone.

From Project Gutenberg

If the penult is short, the antepenult is accented provided it be long: Sansthā́naka.

From Project Gutenberg

The accent is usually on the penult vowel, sometimes on the last, but never on the antipenult.

From Project Gutenberg

The Indian name is pronounced as if written “Thayendanauga,” with accent on penult.

From Project Gutenberg

Names on which accents are not placed are accented on the penult.

From Project Gutenberg