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penultimate

[pi-nuhl-tuh-mit]

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

/ 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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of penultimate1

First recorded in 1670–80; penult, ultimate
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Word History and Origins

Origin of penultimate1

C17: from Latin paene almost + ultimate , on the model of Latin paenultimus
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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.

Ivory Coast and Gabon have dominated the six-nation Group F with one point dividing them going into their penultimate matches on Friday.

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The penultimate episode included the handwritten letters from the book that Conrad begins sending Belly during their time apart, leading to their eventual romantic reconnection.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Tector, who brought up his own half-century with a drive for six, almost lasted to the end of the innings, only to edge the penultimate delivery into the gloves of Jos Buttler.

Read more on BBC

However, there was heartbreak for Kerr, seeking to become only the fourth man to retain the 1500m title but denied the opportunity after pulling up in pain on the penultimate lap.

Read more on BBC

It turned out to be the penultimate fight of Hatton's professional career, and the last in Vegas.

Read more on BBC

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