: done or coming at the very end
a last-gasp attempt to score
last gasp noun

Examples of last-gasp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An assist, a breathtaking last-gasp clearance, and some culpability in the Canadian equalizer. Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 12 June 2026 The Blitzboks had a last-gasp try ruled out by a forward pass. ABC News, 31 May 2026 In real life, though, the team surrendered a late goal and a last-gasp attempt at a rally fell just short. Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026 And finally, with the airline burning through dollars — a situation not helped by the increasing costs of fuel from the U.S.-Iran conflict — a last-gasp federal bailout deal fell short. Miami Herald, 2 May 2026 With Knight’s last-gasp equalizer in the Olympic final in Milan, the veteran wrote herself into US hockey history, becoming the women’s all-time Olympic goals and points leader. Mia Fishman, CNN Money, 25 Feb. 2026 The lawsuit, filed without evidence of fraud, was an audacious last-gasp attempt to overturn the results. Barbara McQuade, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2026 Audacious last gasp The lawsuit, filed without evidence of fraud, was an audacious last-gasp attempt to overturn the results. Barbara McQuade, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 And in a final last-gasp drive with less than two minutes to play, Nix looked to Bryant for a short gain on a 2nd-and-10. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 16 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of last-gasp was in 1921

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Last-gasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-gasp. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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