pluperfect

adjective

plu·​per·​fect ˌplü-ˈpər-fikt How to pronounce pluperfect (audio)
1
: past perfect
2
: utterly perfect or complete
pluperfect noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pluperfyth, modification of Late Latin plusquamperfectus, literally, more than perfect

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pluperfect was in the 15th century

Rhymes for pluperfect

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Browse Nearby Words

plup
pluperfect
plural
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Cite this Entry

“Pluperfect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pluperfect. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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