last minute

[ min-it ]

noun

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

last-minute

noun

1. modifier given or done at the latest possible time

   last-minute preparations

Other Words From

• last-minute adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of last minute¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Larry Kramer, the renowned activist and playwright, was invited to talk after a last minute cancelation.

From The Daily Beast

After much frantic buzzing about the lot, he's located and changes his plans at the last minute.

From The Daily Beast

But fans still feel the death was a last-minute decision made for shock value rather than to serve the story.

From The Daily Beast

It worked, but it was not a last-minute strategy, he insists.

From The Daily Beast

Site agents, many of them former and future shift agents, know that everything changes at the last minute.

From The Daily Beast

I told her I felt so dreadfully to think I had met the person I ought to have met four years ago, at the last minute, so.

From Project Gutenberg

Harry's heart stood still; was the ambuscade to be discovered at the last minute?

From Project Gutenberg

It was the first theater Bud had entered since he left San Jose, and at the last minute he hesitated, tempted to turn back.

From Project Gutenberg

He had quite recovered himself within the last minute or two, he was his cunning self again.

From Project Gutenberg

I shall remain until the last minute, certainly until I know what Elton's plans are.

From Project Gutenberg