last rites
Americannoun
plural noun
Etymology
Origin of last rites
First recorded in 1925–30
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Today, it’s as though it’s waiting for last rites.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
"Prayers and the last rites were read during his passing," he added.
From BBC • Nov. 30, 2023
Even if you know something about Kennedy’s lifelong health problems, their extent and seriousness are shocking: He was given last rites twice before his last last rites.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2023
On the morning of Sept. 11, while administering last rites to a firefighter, Judge, 68, was struck by falling debris and died.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 11, 2023
“We’re going to miss you, Mr. Pignati,” Lorraine said, as though she was giving last rites.
From "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.