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

The reusable rocket is assembled horizontally and put on the launchpad at the last minute with no supporting infrastructure.

From Barron's

Angela had used a Post-it note to write down the code for standby passengers who’d received a seat assignment at the last minute, and she’d stuck it to her computer screen.

From Literature

A federal judge intervened at the last minute, pushing the deadline indefinitely.

From Salon

Those last minutes were their opportunity to overcome the elements, defeat a team that deserved their lead and steal a game that would have tasted sweet.

From BBC

Until the last minute, it was unclear whether the princesses would appear at Sandringham.

From BBC