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last minute
last minutenounthe time just preceding a deadline or when some decisive action must be taken.
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last-minute
last-minutenoun(modifier) given or done at the latest possible time
last minute
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of last minute
First recorded in 1915–20
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.