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last

play
verb \ ˈlast \

Definition of last

intransitive verb
1 :to continue in time
  • The movie lasted about two hours.
2 a :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)
  • He won't last; he'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 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
—

laster

noun

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Origin and Etymology of last

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

Synonym Discussion of last

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
2

last

noun

Definition 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 and Etymology 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

3

last

verb

Definition of last

transitive verb
:to shape with a last
—

laster

noun

First Known Use of last

1603

4

last

adverb

Definition 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 last defined for English-language learners

Examples of last in a Sentence

  1. He spoke last at the meeting.

  2. My horse was last in the race.

  3. She was first to arrive at the party and last to leave.

  4. I last saw him in the supermarket.

  5. They last went to the beach in June.

  6. This word was last used in the 17th century.

Origin and Etymology of last

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

5

last

adjective

Definition 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
—

lastly

adverb

See last defined for English-language learners

Examples of last in a Sentence

  1. He was the last one out of the building.

  2. She succeeded on her last attempt.

  3. These are the last two books in the series.

  4. We are going to the beach for the last week of the summer.

  5. the last cookie in the jar

  6. She said she wouldn't marry him if he was the last man on earth.

  7. He was tragically killed during the last days of the war.

  8. I haven't seen her recently. The last time we met was at a party.

First Known Use of last

13th century

last Synonyms

Synonyms
bottommost, closing, concluding, final, hindmost, lag, latest, latter, rearmost, terminal, terminating, ultimate
Antonyms
beginning, earliest, first, foremost, headmost, inaugural, initial, leadoff, maiden, opening, original, pioneer, primary, starting
Related Words
consequent, ensuing, eventual, following, succeeding; conclusive, crowning, decisive, definitive; farthermost, farthest, furthermost, furthest, remotest; lowermost, lowest, nethermost; endmost, extreme, outermost, outmost, utmost; penultimate
Near Antonyms
eminent, premier, superior

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
6

last

noun

Definition 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

LAST Defined for English Language Learners

last

adverb

Definition of last for English Language Learners

  • : 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

adjective

Definition of last for English Language Learners

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

  • : remaining after the rest are gone

  • : belonging to the final part of something

LAST Defined for Kids

1

last

play
verb \ ˈlast \

Definition of last for Students

lasted; lasting
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?
2

last

adverb

Definition of last for Students

1 :after any others in time or order
  • She spoke last.
2 :most recently
  • They were last seen here.
3

last

adjective

Definition of last for Students

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.

Synonym Discussion of last

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.
4

last

noun

Definition of last for Students

: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!

Learn More about last

  1. See words that rhyme with last Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for last Spanish Central: Translation of last Nglish: Translation of last for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of last for Arabic speakers

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Tip: Synonym Guide
Examples: last in a Sentence