last

verb (1)

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\ ˈlast

lasted; lasting; lasts

Definition of last

(Entry 1 of 6)

intransitive verb

1 : to continue in time The movie lasted about two hours.

2a : to remain fresh or unimpaired : endure That paint job should last a long time.

b : to manage to continue (as in a course of action) She won't last; she'll quit before the week's out.

c : to continue to live he will not last very much longer— James Dennis

transitive verb

1 : to be enough for the needs of The supplies will last them a week.

2 : to continue in existence or action as long as or longer than —often used with out couldn't last out the training program

last

adjective

Definition of last (Entry 2 of 6)

1a : 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) her last hours on earth

3a : 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.

4a : farthest from a specified quality, attitude, or likelihood would be the last person to fall for flattery

b : lowest in rank or standing also : worst

5a : distinct, separate —used as an intensive ate every last piece of food

b : conclusive There is no last answer to the problem.

c : highest in degree : supreme, ultimate

last

adverb

Definition of last (Entry 3 of 6)

1 : after all others : at the end came last and left first

2 : most lately saw her last in Rome

3 : in conclusion Last, let's consider the social aspect.

last

noun (1)

Definition of last (Entry 4 of 6)

: 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.

last

noun (2)

Definition of last (Entry 5 of 6)

: a form (as of metal or plastic) which is shaped like the human foot and over which a shoe is shaped or repaired

last

verb (2)

lasted; lasting; lasts

Definition of last (Entry 6 of 6)

transitive verb

: to shape with a last

Other Words from last Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More About last

Choose the Right Synonym for last

Verb (1)

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending. the search for peace will continue last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected. buy shoes that will last endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies. in spite of everything, her faith endured abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability. a love that abides through 40 years of marriage persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness. the sense of guilt persisted

Adjective

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

Examples of last in a Sentence

Adjective 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. Adverb 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.

First Known Use of last

Verb (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adjective

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1603, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for last

Verb (1)

Middle English, from Old English lǣstan to last, follow; akin to Old English lāst footprint

Adverb

Middle English, from Old English latost, superlative of læt late

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English lǣste, from lāst footprint; akin to Old High German leist shoemaker's last, Latin lira furrow — more at learn

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Dictionary Entries Near last

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Cite this Entry

“Last.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last. Accessed 19 Jan. 2022.

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More Definitions for last

last

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of last (Entry 2 of 2)

: coming after all others in time, order, or importance : final

: remaining after the rest are gone

: belonging to the final part of something

See the full definition for last in the English Language Learners Dictionary

last

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of last (Entry 3 of 2)

: after any others in time, order, or importance : at the end

: most recently : on the most recent occasion

—used to introduce a final statement or subject

last

verb

\ ˈlast

lasted; lasting

Kids Definition of last

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : to go on The game lasted two hours.

2 : to stay in good condition These sneakers won't last.

3 : to be enough for the needs of We have food to last the week.

4 : to be able to continue in a particular condition Are you too hungry to last till lunch?

last

adverb

Kids Definition of last (Entry 2 of 4)

1 : after any others in time or order She spoke last.

2 : most recently They were last seen here.

last

adjective

Kids Definition of last (Entry 3 of 4)

1 : following all the rest : final I was the last one out.

2 : most recent last week

3 : lowest in rank or position Our team was last in the league.

4 : most unlikely You're the last person I thought I'd see.

last

noun

Kids Definition of last (Entry 4 of 4)

: a person or thing that is last That order was my last.

at last or at long last

: after a long period of time : finally We're finished at last!

Choose the Right Synonym for last

Adjective

last and final mean following all the others. last is used for something at the end of a series but it does not always mean that the series is complete or permanently ended. I spent my last dollar on a ticket. final is used for something that positively closes a series and forever settles the matter. This is the final game of the championship.