Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

last word

American  

noun

  1. the closing remark or comment, as in an argument.

    By the rules of debate she would have the last word.

  2. a final or definitive work, statement, etc..

    This report is the last word on the treatment of arthritis.

  3. the latest, most modern thing.

    Casual hairdos are the last word this season.

Etymology

Origin of last word

First recorded in 1880–85

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.

Even in death, Jackson has the last word.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

Now he has blocked it from being certified, but the Virginia Supreme Court will have the last word, and is holding a hearing next week.

From Slate • Apr. 24, 2026

“The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter,” Live Nation said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

In a statement released Wednesday, Live Nation said: “The jury’s verdict is not the last word on this matter. Pending motions will determine whether the liability and damages rulings stand.”

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Finn asked, trying so, so hard to keep his voice from wavering on the last word.

From "The Strangers" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

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.