last

last¹

adjective

1》 coming after all others in time or order; final.

    ↘lowest in importance or rank.

    ↘(the last) the least likely or suitable.

2》 most recent in time; latest.

3》 immediately preceding in order; previous in a sequence or enumeration: their last album.

4》 only remaining: it's our last hope.

adverb

1》 on the last occasion before the present; previously.

2》 [in combination] after all others in order or sequence: the last-named film.

3》 (in enumerating points) lastly.

noun (plural same) the last person or thing.

↘(the last of) the only remaining participle

↘(the last) the end or last moment, especially death.

Phrases

at last (or at long last) in the end; after much delay.

the last minute the latest possible time before an event.

last orders (N. Amer. also last call) (in a bar or pub) said to inform customers that closing time is approaching and that any further drinks should be purchased immediately.

last thing late in the evening, especially immediately before going to bed.

the last word

1》 a final or definitive pronouncement on a subject.

2》 the most modern or advanced example of something.

Origin

OE latost, of Gmc origin; related to late.

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last²

verb

1》 continue for a specified period of time.

2》 remain operating or usable for a considerable or specified length of time.

3》 (of provisions or resources) be adequate or sufficient for a specified length of time.

Origin

OE lstan, of Gmc origin, related to last³.

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last³

noun a shoemaker's model for shaping or repairing a shoe or boot.

Origin

OE lste, of Gmc origin, from a base meaning 'follow'.