Last
læst
Definitions
4 meaningsComing after all others in time or order; final.
læst
Coming at the end; final.
This is my last chance.
💡 Simply: Like the final piece of a puzzle, or the end of the line. The last one is the end.
👶 For kids: The *last* means it's the very end! Like the last cookie in the cookie jar.
More Examples
The last train leaves at midnight.
She gave me one last look.
How It's Used
"This is the last slice of pizza."
"He made a last-minute decision."
Most recent in the past.
læst
Most recent; previous.
What did you do last weekend?
💡 Simply: The one that just happened or was before now. Like the last movie you watched.
👶 For kids: The *last* means it was the one that happened a little while ago. Like, 'I played with my toys *last* night.'
More Examples
I read that book last year.
She mentioned it in her last email.
How It's Used
"I saw him last week."
"The last time we met was at the party."
To continue in time; to remain.
læst
To continue in time.
The party lasted until dawn.
💡 Simply: How long something continues. Like, 'How long will this song last?'
👶 For kids: To *last* means to keep going for a while. Like, 'How long can you hold your breath?'
More Examples
How long do you think this relationship will last?
The effect of the medicine lasts for six hours.
How It's Used
"The film lasted for two hours."
"The batteries should last a long time."
The end or the end of something
læst
The end or the end of something.
This is the last of the milk.
💡 Simply: The ultimate finish, the definitive stop, or conclusion of something, similar to 'the end'.
👶 For kids: The *last* could mean the very end. Like the last bite of your ice cream cone.
More Examples
He was the last to leave.
The last chapter was amazing.
How It's Used
"The last of the season's apples."
"He was the last to know."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
at last
Finally; after a long time or delay.
"At last, the rain stopped."
last but not least
Said when introducing the final item in a list, especially something or someone considered to be important despite being mentioned last.
"And last but not least, thank you to our sponsors."
From Old English *læstest* (superlative of *læt* 'late'), related to Proto-Germanic *latiz* ('slow, late').
The word 'last' has been used for centuries to indicate something that is the final one in a series, or something that happened most recently.
Memory tip
Think of the last page of a book: it's the end.
Word Origin
"slow, late"