last call

American  

[last kawl] / ˈlæst ˈkɔl /

noun

1. an announcement made in a bar shortly before service of alcoholic beverages ends (sometimes used attributively): I’m getting too old for last call hookups.

   We do last call 30 minutes before we close the doors, and we stop serving drinks 10 minutes after last call.

   I’m getting too old for last call hookups.

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Etymology

Origin of last call

An Americanism dating back to 1935–40

Example Sentences

I show up 45 minutes before my flight and hope to get there right as they’re doing the last call for boarding so I can walk onto the plane without stopping to make any purchases.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 20, 2026

“She’s my first call, last call, all the time,” “Andor” creator Tony Gilroy said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal last year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

Before the season, I tipped the Bengals to win the Super Bowl - and Joe Burrow to be this season's Most Valuable Player - and I stand by that last call.

From BBC • Jan. 8, 2025

Of course, print and online journalists show up in droves, and many stay until last call.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2024

She told her about the last call from the doctor and what he’d told her.

From "The Honest Truth" by Dan Gemeinhart