last minute

American  

[min-it] / ˈmɪn ɪt /

noun

1. the time just preceding a deadline or when some decisive action must be taken.

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last-minute British  

noun

1. (modifier) given or done at the latest possible time

   last-minute preparations

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Other Word Forms

• last-minute adjective

Etymology

Origin of last minute

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

She entered the race to challenge Bass, her one-time ally, at the last minute, hours before the early February filing deadline.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

At the last minute, Freed canceled their first date to a Rolling Stones concert, but Simon continued to pursue her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

"When you are driving there are times you don't see them until the very last minute and these, with the cars bigger, it's harder to swerve out of the way."

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The table fills with supermarket vegetables, tubs of hummus, bags of chips, brownies purchased at the last minute.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

Nathan carried the small picnic basket with bottles of punch and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that Lily had thrown together at the last minute.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English