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

"Not last minute at all," one man said.

From BBC

A strike in the summer of 2023 was called off at the last minute after a deal was agreed.

From BBC

“We will use all the tools at our disposal to deliver it and last minute appointments do not change these facts.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Now, she revealed, “it’s the cute spot where you put that one friend who booked the trip super last minute.”

From MarketWatch

Labour backbenchers were so angry about the implications that after months of campaigning, ministers at almost the very last minute ditched that plan.

From BBC