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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

She was reportedly scheduled to show up at the Orlando, Florida, stop in February, but that was canceled at the last minute.

From Salon • May 17, 2026

Director Michael Lindsay-Hogg, who filmed the show, recalled that some of the members wanted to pull the plug at the last minute.

From BBC • May 11, 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

One band, Country Joe and the Fish, had been invited at the last minute to fill an empty spot on the Sunday program.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge