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.

Origin of penultimate

1
First recorded in 1670–80; see origin at penult, ultimate

Words that may be confused with penultimate

Words Nearby penultimate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use penultimate in a sentence

  • It is a derivative word, from Algonkin, and gan the penultimate syllable of the Odjibwa term Sa-g--gan, a lake.

    The Indian in his Wigwam | Henry R. Schoolcraft
  • Inner lip rather thick and reflected on the base of the penultimate whorl.

    Our British Snails | John William Horsley
  • "You would not have known me then," returned Lady Sellingworth, with the slightest possible stress on the penultimate word.

    December Love | Robert Hichens
  • "I don't doubt your friendship for Mr. Armine," he said, at last, laying a faint stress upon the penultimate word.

    Bella Donna | Robert Hichens
  • It is fully dealt with in the von Berlepsch Bill in the above-mentioned provision of the penultimate paragraph of § 120a.

    The Theory and Policy of Labour Protection | Albert Eberhard Friedrich Schffle

British Dictionary definitions for penultimate

penultimate

/ (pɪˈnʌltɪmɪt) /


adjective
  1. next to the last

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

Origin of penultimate

1
C17: from Latin paene almost + ultimate, on the model of Latin paenultimus

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