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

noun

1. anything that is next to the last, esp a penult

Word History and Origins

Origin of penultimate¹

First recorded in 1670–80; penult, ultimate

Word History and Origins

Origin of penultimate¹

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

Example Sentences

And that to me is like, that’s a penultimate compliment from another musician.

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He kept his title hopes alive at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament by beating Hoshoryu on the penultimate day, then triumphed over the Mongolian again to clinch the title.

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The disqualification means that Norris is now 24 points ahead of both Piastri and Verstappen going into the penultimate race of the season in Qatar next weekend, which includes a sprint.

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She had her first hit in the silent era; her penultimate act job was in a “Night Gallery” episode directed by a young Steven Spielberg.

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Wales' football side play their penultimate World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein in Vaduz.

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