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

Warwickshire debutant Jordan Thompson removed Abbott, caught behind, and Matt Fisher, lbw, in the penultimate over, before Gilchrist castled Foakes.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Powell's term as Fed chair ends in May, making this his penultimate meeting.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 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

On the penultimate chime, the dancing flames change from blue to black, and for that moment, it is difficult to discern the fire from its cauldron.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern