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
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.
Your last words are so powerful, and they’re also cut off, which is unique and leaves interpretation for the audience. William Earl, Variety, 3 July 2025 The bar menu will offer a variety of classic cocktails, including an old fashioned, a margarita, a paper plane, a last word, a house clean martini, a dirty martini, and the beloved Trouble Bar recipe espresso martini. Olivia Evans, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025 Mays’ last words spoken on camera were to a local TV station, MyFox Tampa Bay, after his flight made a rough landing at Tampa International Airport. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 28 June 2025 If Mari’s going to have some famous last words, these are it. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for last word

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Last word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last%20word. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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