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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

Raman, who had endorsed Bass’ reelection before throwing her hat in at the last minute, came off as inexperienced, touchy and unprepared.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

"But we have been here before, and we've seen negotiations collapse at the last minute for a variety of reasons," added Rumley, now a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

From BBC • 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

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

He’d gotten as far as digging out an extra Shabbat candle and lighting it, but at the last minute lost his nerve.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny