Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Wiktionary
a. Just before too late, in the nick of time.
WordNet
adj. just before a deadline; at the last minute; "last-minute arrangements"
Usage examples of "last-minute".
When a last-minute motion to keep the capital in New York for two more years resulted in a thirteen-to-thirteen tie, Adams cast a nay vote.
Within three hours, John Carter was standing on the roof of the Royal Airdrome giving last-minute instructions to a fleet of twenty-four fast, one-man scouts.
It was equally possible, and a good deal more probable, thatJudge Kybiq could make a slight, last-minute alteration of course, then slingshot itself around thefar side of Barbas and head for Wormhole 4 and an interception ofCorona.
Only a 193 last-minute memo from John Wood, pointing out that the dosage required to kill the African bees would also kill a third of the human population and render huge areas uninhabitable for years to come, prevented the activation of this plan.
But do me a favor, and hand the phone to Dumitra so she can make a last-minute plea to her rather coldhearted lover.
Again, there was silence as Gamay and Paul took turns telling about being sucked into the vortex and their last-minute rescue.
But then when they had gotten here, Shorles broke the news that because of last-minute budget problems, Jim could not be given his instructorship until the spring quarter at the earliest.
X-ray people messed about with him of course, and the orderly in the ward probably helped Esther get him on the trolley, and things like that, but it was only sort of last-minute things.
Barring a last-minute miracle at the Capitol, boundaries for new legislative and congressional districts will be drawn by a nonpartisan expert, and ratified by the judges in late May.
Besides, you realize that if she leaves Overhall now, she is herself vulnerable to any last-minute machinations Gantrell might devise to repossess her.
Henry had set his overpacked suitcase down beside the front door and was giving Louise last-minute instructions about forwarding his mail.
Wilson replied that the 504th Paratroop Regiment was seaborne and not airborne because of a last-minute decision by General Clark.
Finally, after a last-minute request by Data that Ensign Thompson check on Spot occasionally, particularly in the event that more energy surges were detected, the static-laced EM link was broken.
He glanced around the visible sections of the starfield, hoping against hope that Danice Tolan would make a last-minute appearance.
Even the Tottenham fans almost came alive, and cheered when Tottenham conceded a last-minute own goal, a genuine consolation gift for the visitors on a par with a soggy piece of cake wrapped in tissue that kids get to take home from parties.