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last1 S1 W1
1 most recent or nearest to the present time [↪ next (12)]: 
I hadn't seen him since the last meeting.Interest in golf has grown rapidly in the last ten years.
I hadn't seen him since the last meeting.Interest in golf has grown rapidly in the last ten years.2 happening or existing at the end, with no others after [≠ first]: I didn't read the last chapter of the book. The next meeting will be held in the last week in June.
I didn't read the last chapter of the book.The next meeting will be held in the last week in June. last but one/two etc (=last except for one other, two others etc) on the last but one day of his trial
on the last but one day of his trial3 remaining after all others have gone, been used etc : Can I have the last piece of cake?
Can I have the last piece of cake? every last (=used to emphasize that you mean all of something) All the money was gone; every last penny of it.
All the money was gone; every last penny of it.4 the latest possible time before something happens : Travelers will find it hard to get a hotel room at the last minute. He never makes a decision until almost the last moment.
the last minute/moment
Travelers will find it hard to get a hotel room at the last minute.He never makes a decision until almost the last moment.5 used to make a strong negative statement about someone or something : She's the last person I'd expect to meet in a disco (=I would not expect to meet her in a disco at all). Money was the last thing I cared about right now.
the last person/thing
She's the last person I'd expect to meet in a disco (=I would not expect to meet her in a disco at all).Money was the last thing I cared about right now.6 to be the final thing in a series of annoying things that makes someone very angry : He'd broken his promise again, and it was the last straw.
be the last straw
He'd broken his promise again, and it was the last straw.7 at the very end of the day : Take a couple of these pills last thing at night to help you sleep.
last thing (at night)
Take a couple of these pills last thing at night to help you sleep.8
on your last legs
informala) very tired : Sarah looks as if she's on her last legs.
Sarah looks as if she's on her last legs.b) very ill and likely to die soon
9 old or in bad condition, and likely to stop working soon : The car's on its last legs.
on its last legs
informalThe car's on its last legs.10 to be the best, most modern, or most comfortable example of something : It's the last word in luxury holidays.
be the last word in something
It's the last word in luxury holidays.
