eleventh hour

American  

noun

1. the last possible moment for doing something.

   to change plans at the eleventh hour.

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eleventh hour British  

noun

1. 1. the latest possible time; last minute

   2. ( as modifier )

      an eleventh-hour decision

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eleventh hour Cultural  

1. The last minute: “The water bombers arrived at the eleventh hour — just in time to prevent the forest fire from engulfing the town.”

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eleventh hour Idioms  

1. The latest possible time, as in We turned in our report at the eleventh hour. This term is thought to allude to the parable of the laborers (Matthew 20:1–16), in which those workers hired at the eleventh hour of a twelve-hour working day were paid the same amount as those who began in the first hour. [Early 1800s]

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Etymology

Origin of eleventh hour

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

eleventh hour

It will hold separate elections for some voters based on how their districts have been changed at the eleventh hour.

From Slate ● Jun. 3, 2026

In 2024, California considered doing away with service charges as part of legislation banning “hidden” or “junk” fees but walked back the proposal at the eleventh hour.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 19, 2026

"My mum cancelled making Nicola’s dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress."

From Barron's ● Jan. 20, 2026

The surprising announcement came at the eleventh hour of his presidency and sparked celebration among the amendment's backers.

From Salon ● Jan. 17, 2025

More woe was in store for him, for at the eleventh hour, Julia was also hired by the Ashtons, who would soon need a baby nurse of their own.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood