Last Judgment

American  

noun

Theology.

1. in some religions, the final trial of all people, both the living and dead, at the end of the world.

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Last Judgment British  

noun

1. Also known as: the Last Day.   Doomsday.   Judgment Day.  the occasion, after the resurrection of the dead at the end of the world, when, according to biblical tradition, God will decree the final destinies of all men according to the good and evil in their earthly lives

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Etymology

Origin of Last Judgment

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

Under the scrutinising eyes of Michelangelo's Last Judgment, when Pope Leo said "let us pray", it meant everyone, including the King, closing a gap that stretched back to the Reformation in the 16th century.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2025

In 1473, the first known art heist occurred when pirates seized Hans Memling's "The Last Judgment" as it was traveling from Belgium to Florence.

From Salon • Dec. 13, 2021

When I arrived at Terminal Five last Friday, I was confronted with a scene that evoked a peculiarly English version of the Last Judgment.

From Washington Post • Sep. 27, 2021

Michelangelo's "Last Judgment" mural in the Sistine Chapel inspired many in its twisting cascade of Satan's fallen angels, who are being vanquished by a florid, sword-wielding St. Michael.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2015

Though difficult to read at first, it depicts Christ at the Last Judgment, when every soul is weighed.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson

Related Words

• doomsday