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last3 S1 W1
1 the person or thing that comes after all the others [≠ first]: 
I think this box is the last.
the last
I think this box is the last.2 if something happens at last, it happens after you have been hoping, waiting, or working for it a long time : At last it was time to leave. We reached the summit at last. ➔ see usage note lastly
at (long) last
At last it was time to leave.We reached the summit at last.3 the day, week etc before the one that has just finished : I sent the letter off the week before last.
the day/week/year etc before last
I sent the letter off the week before last.4 the remaining parts of something : John ate the last of the bread at lunchtime.
the last of something
John ate the last of the bread at lunchtime.5 if you have not heard the last of someone or something, they may return and cause problems for you in the future : We haven't heard the last of football violence.
somebody hasn't heard the last of somebody/something
We haven't heard the last of football violence.6 if you will never hear the last of something, someone will be angry with you about it for a long time : If my mother sees me, I'll never hear the last of this.
somebody will never hear the last of something
If my mother sees me, I'll never hear the last of this.7 used to tell someone the most recent news that you know about a person or situation : The last I heard, she was at college studying law.
the last I heard
spokenThe last I heard, she was at college studying law.8 until the end of an event or the end of someone's life : He died in 1987, insisting to the last he was innocent.
to the last
formalHe died in 1987, insisting to the last he was innocent.