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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

He brushed off questions about why he did not meet her when he visited Cardiff earlier this month, saying it was a "last minute decision to go".

From BBC • Apr. 27, 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

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

“You pull your arm back like this, see? And you have to aim high, and at the last minute snap your wrist like this, see?”

From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech