antepenultimate

1 of 2

adjective

an·​te·​pen·​ul·​ti·​mate ¦an-ti-pi-¦nəl-tə-mət How to pronounce antepenultimate (audio)
1
: of or relating to an antepenult
2
: coming before the next to last in any series

antepenultimate

2 of 2

noun

an·​te·​pen·​ul·​ti·​mate ¦an-ti-pi-¦nəl-tə-mət How to pronounce antepenultimate (audio)
plural -s
: something that is antepenultimate
specifically : an antepenultimate syllable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

ante + penultimate (after Late Latin antepaenultimus)

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antepenultimate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antepenultimate. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!