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

Further addressing the union's accusation that the deal had been changed at the last minute, Streeting told Victoria Derbyshire, standing in for Kuenssberg, this would not be in his "interest or the government's".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

She entered the race to challenge Bass, her one-time ally, at the last minute, hours before the early February filing deadline.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

At the last minute, Freed canceled their first date to a Rolling Stones concert, but Simon continued to pursue her.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

The table fills with supermarket vegetables, tubs of hummus, bags of chips, brownies purchased at the last minute.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

At the last minute Kevin came up with an entry called Naturally Nutty.

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene