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• last minute
  last minute

  noun

  the time just preceding a deadline or when some decisive action must be taken.
• last-minute
  last-minute

  noun

  (modifier) given or done at the latest possible time

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

Entertaining down to the last minute, the Bastille Opera finally opened its season with a sad-faced functionary who stepped in front of the curtain to tell us that the “Simone Boccanegra” baritone was indisposed.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"But we have been here before, and we've seen negotiations collapse at the last minute for a variety of reasons," added Rumley, now a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Bass and Raman were generally viewed as allies until February, when Raman jumped into the race at the last minute.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Another person said she was able to book a flight last minute through Spirit to attend her grandfather’s funeral.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

“No. He doesn’t. I changed the portal location at the last minute to hide our whereabouts.”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi