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

Positioning himself towards the front heading into the penultimate lap, Kerr hit the front at the bell and proved too strong as Hocker attempted to close the gap in the closing stages.

From BBC

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

From Barron's

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

When undefeated France visit Murrayfield on Saturday in the penultimate round of the Six Nations, every facet of Scotland's game will be tested.

From BBC

With the bat, they started slowly in this tournament but gained momentum by scoring 256-4 against Zimbabwe in the penultimate match of the Super 8s.

From BBC