: 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 incredible series of plays, a last-gasp effort, and the fortuitous foot of Matt Prater, the field goal kicker who’d been in Buffalo no more than 100 hours, booting a 32-yarder for the win. Coy Wire, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 He was involved in the build-up to Rio Ngumoha’s last-gasp goal with a pass into the feet of Ryan Gravenberch before making an intelligent run down the outside. James Pearce, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025 Prescott threw an incomplete pass on fourth-and-3 with 1:54 left to end the Cowboys’ last-gasp rally. Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025 Royals captain Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer off Yankees reliever Mark Leiter Jr. as part of a last-gasp attempt at a rally. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2025

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 15 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!