last word

noun

1
: the final remark in a verbal exchange
2
a
: the power of final decision
b
: a definitive statement or treatment
this study will surely be the last word on the subject for many years
3
: the most advanced, up-to-date, or fashionable exemplar of its kind
the last word in sports cars

Examples of last word in a Sentence

a swimsuit that is the last word in sportswear this season
Recent Examples on the Web At last word, the two-time WWE Champion had his deal extended beyond WrestleMania 40, keeping him in WWE longer than expected. Blake Oestriecher, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2024 Jim figured out what was going on, and the two shared a few tearful last words about Michael being the best boss Jim ever had. Erin Strecker, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2024 His last words to his widow were more tender, however. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 6 Dec. 2023 The state attorney played the body camera footage of McClain’s last words before his death during opening arguments. Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 29 Nov. 2023 Her last words for the milk shamers out there (and people who tend to judge you critically, without grace)? Dominique Fluker, Essence, 17 Nov. 2023 His last words, according to court documents, were to say goodbye to his family. Maryam Jameel, ProPublica, 25 Oct. 2023 And then what are the very last words of the ending? Merve Emre, The New Yorker, 1 Oct. 2023 Sanchez used his last words to claim his innocence, according to the AP. Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'last word.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1509, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of last word was in 1509

Dictionary Entries Near last word

Cite this Entry

“Last word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last%20word. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

last word

noun
1
: the final remark in a discussion
2
: the power of final decision
3
: the most modern or fashionable one of its kind
the last word in sportswear
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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