pluperfect

UK: /ˌpluːˈpɜː^rfɪkt/ US: /pluˈpɝfɪkt/ ,(plo̅o̅ pûr′fikt)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

plu•per•fect /pluˈpɜrfɪkt/  adj. 

1. Grammar past perfect (def. 1):
   The pluperfect tense is formed by adding had to the -ed/-en form of the main verb.

n. 

2. Grammar past perfect (defs. 2, 3).

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

plu•per•fect  (plo̅o̅ pûr′fikt), 
adj. 

1. Grammar
   • perfect with respect to a point of reference in past time, as had done in He had done it when I came.
   • designating a tense or other verb formation or construction with such meaning, as Latin portāveram "I had carried.''
2. more than perfect:
   He spoke the language with pluperfect precision.

n. [Gram.]
3. Grammar
   • the pluperfect tense, or other verb formation or construction with such meaning.
   • a form in the pluperfect.
• Latin plū(s quam) perfectum (more than) perfect, translation of Greek hypersyntelikós
• 1520–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pluperfect / pluːˈpɜːfɪkt/ adjective , noun

1. another term for past perfect

Etymology: 16th Century: from the Latin phrase plūs quam perfectum more than perfect