last
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1last
verb \ˈlast\Definition of LAST
intransitive verb
1
: to continue in time
2
a : to remain fresh or unimpaired : endure b : to manage to continue (as in a course of action) c : to continue to live
transitive verb
1
: to continue in existence or action as long as or longer than —often used with out <couldn't last out the training program>
2
: to be enough for the needs of <the supplies will last them a week>
— last·er noun
Origin of LAST
Middle English, from Old English lǣstan to last, follow; akin to Old English lāst footprint
First Known Use: before 12th century
2last
nounDefinition of LAST
: a form (as of metal or plastic) which is shaped like the human foot and over which a shoe is shaped or repaired
Illustration of LAST
Origin of LAST
Middle English, from Old English lǣste, from lāst footprint; akin to Old High German leist shoemaker's last, Latin lira furrow — more at learn
First Known Use: before 12th century
3last
transitive verbDefinition of LAST
: to shape with a last
— last·er noun
First Known Use of LAST
circa 1859
4last
adverbDefinition of LAST
1
: after all others : at the end <came last and left first>
2
: most lately <saw him last in Rome>
3
: in conclusion <last, let's consider the social aspect>
See Examples of LAST
- He spoke last at the meeting.
- My horse was last in the race.
- She was first to arrive at the party and last to leave.
- I last saw him in the supermarket.
- They last went to the beach in June.
- This word was last used in the 17th century.
Origin of LAST
Middle English, from Old English latost, superl. of læt late
First Known Use: before 12th century
5last
adjectiveDefinition of LAST
1
a : following all the rest <he was the last one out> b : being the only remaining <our last dollar>
2
: belonging to the final stage (as of life) <his last hours on earth>
3
a : next before the present : most recent <last week> <his last book was a failure> b : most up-to-date : latest <it's the last thing in fashion>
4
a : lowest in rank or standing; also : worst b : farthest from a specified quality, attitude, or likelihood <would be the last person to fall for flattery>
5
a : conclusive <there is no last answer to the problem> b : highest in degree : supreme, ultimate c : distinct, separate —used as an intensive <ate every last piece of food>
— last·ly adverb
Examples of LAST
- He was the last one out of the building.
- She succeeded on her last attempt.
- These are the last two books in the series.
- We are going to the beach for the last week of the summer.
- the last cookie in the jar
- She said she wouldn't marry him if he was the last man on earth.
- He was tragically killed during the last days of the war.
- I haven't seen her recently. The last time we met was at a party.
First Known Use of LAST
13th century
Related to LAST
Synonym Discussion of LAST
last, final, terminal, ultimate mean following all others (as in time, order, or importance). last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped <last page of a book> <last news we had of him>. final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress <final day of school>. terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development <terminal phase of a disease>. ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible <the ultimate collapse of the system>.
6last
nounDefinition of LAST
: something that is last
— at last or at long last
: at the end of a period of time : finally <at last you've come home>
First Known Use of LAST
13th century
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