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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

John Logsdon, a member of the Westchester/Playa Neighborhood Council, said he threw his name into the ring at the last minute after billionaire developer Rick Caruso and L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

A summit between Petro and Rodriguez had been scheduled for March in the Colombian border town of Cucuta, but was cancelled at the last minute.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

But at the very last minute the celebratory parade, to be attended by the president, was cancelled - and the government and military were tight-lipped about why.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

The White House paused plans to send Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan after Tehran held its negotiators back at the last minute.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

“At the last minute, I...I let him get away.”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi