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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

Derived Forms

• last-minute
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of last minute

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

His opponent suffered an injury and withdrew last minute; his replacement pulled out the day before the fight.

From Slate • Jun. 14, 2026

If you've had it in your diary since last year, or if you bagged tickets at the last minute, here's what you need to know.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Instead, it was a sad affair, thrown together at the last minute and unable to book anyone more interesting than Kid Rock as a headliner.

From Salon • Jun. 3, 2026

He does, however, point out some drawbacks: either the trip is often cancelled at the last minute, or the drivers don't answer calls.

From Barron's • May 31, 2026

I swallowed hard and almost coughed, catching it at the last minute so that my eyes teared over.

From "The Marrow Thieves" by Cherie Dimaline