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 Word Forms

• last-minute adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of last minute¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

The coach said that he will likely wait until the last minute before finalising his squad, and urged his players to make the most of their time.

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But that language was stripped out last minute, raising the possibility that Democrats enter the 2026 midterm election with a distinct advantage.

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Perhaps the cardinal sin in Garten’s Thanksgiving guidebook is waiting until the very last minute to prepare and serve your Thanksgiving meal.

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"Don't wait till the last minute," he said.

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And so, for the first time, I decided at the last minute to hold a page of notes with the offending phrase on it.

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