penultimate
Americanadjective
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next to the last.
the penultimate scene of the play.
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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
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a penult.
adjective
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next to the last
noun
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anything that is next to the last, esp a penult
Etymology
Origin of penultimate
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.
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
Bruce Mouat's world champions were on the brink of a shock early exit in Italy after losing their penultimate round-robin match to Canada.
From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026
Nearing the finish line for the penultimate time, Louie fixed his eyes on the gleaming head of the pomaded competitor, who was many runners ahead.
From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.