Penultimate

/pəˈnʌltɪmət/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Next to the last in a series or sequence.

In the penultimate chapter of the book, the main conflict is finally revealed.

Referring to the second to last item or position.

She finished in penultimate place in the race, just one step behind the leader.

Indicating the next to last occurrence in a regular series.

The penultimate week of the month is usually when we see the most sales.

From Latin 'paenultimus', meaning 'almost last'.

penultimate performance

The second to last performance in a series, often considered very significant.

ultimate

Last, final or the best.

antepenultimate

Third from the last.

Almost the last

That penultimate episode was such a cliffhanger!