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last

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The definition of last is coming after all others, the most recent, the only remaining or the final.

(adjective)

An example of last is a race runner who finishes after everyone else.
An example of last is the week before this one.
An example of last is the final argument that ends a friendship.

Last means after all others.

(adverb)

An example of last is the person who comes to the movie after everyone else.

Last is defined as a person or thing that happens after everyone or everything else.

(noun)

An example of last is the final runner to cross the finish line in a race.

Last is to go on or continue for awhile.

(verb)

An example of last is to endure a 10 mile hike.

See last in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

late
being or coming after all others in place; farthest from the first; hindmost
coming after all others in time; farthest from the beginning; latest
only remaining: took the last chocolate in the box
directly before the present: last month
farthest from what is expected; least likely: would be the last person to suspect anything
utmost; greatest
coming after all others in importance; lowest in rank
newest: the last thing in hats
conclusive; authoritative: the last word in scientific research
individual: used as an intensive: to spend every last cent

Origin: ME laste, earlier latest, latst < OE latost, superl. of adj. læt, adv. late: see late

adverb

late
after all others; at the end
most recently
finally; in conclusion

noun

someone or something which comes last: the last of the kings
the final or concluding part; end: friends to the last

intransitive verb

to remain in existence or operation; continue; go on; endure
to remain in good condition; wear well
to continue unconsumed, unspent, etc.: enough food to last for a month

Origin: ME lasten < OE læstan, akin to Ger leisten, vt., to perform, carry out, Goth laistjan, lit., to follow in the track of < IE base *leis-, a track, spoor > L lira, furrow (see learn): sense development: to follow — to go on, continue

transitive verb

to continue or endure throughout: often with out: doubtful whether he can last (out) the training period

Related Forms:

laster noun

noun

a block or form shaped like a person's foot, on which shoes are made or repaired

Origin: ME laste < OE læst, a boot, læste, shoemaker's last < base of last, footstep, track, furrow < same base as last

transitive verb

to form with a last

Related Forms:

laster noun

noun

a measure or weight that varies for different things and in different places, often one equal to 4,000 pounds

Origin: ME laste < OE hlæst (akin to Ger last, OHG hlast) < base of hladan: see lade

See last in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Being, coming, or placed after all others; final: the last game of the season.
Being the only one left: his last nickel; as a last resort.
Just past; most recent: last year; the last time I checked.
Most up-to-date; newest: the last thing in swimwear.
Highest in extent or degree; utmost: to the last measure of human endurance.
Most valid, authoritative, or conclusive: The arbiter will have the last say in resolving this dispute.
a. Least likely or expected: the last person we would have suspected.
b. The least desirable or suitable: the last man for the job.
Being the latest possible: waited until the last second before boarding the train.
Lowest in rank or importance: last prize; last place.
Used as an intensive: Every last dollar was donated to charity.
a. Of or relating to a terminal period or stage, as of life: the last days of the dinosaurs.
b. Administered just before death: the last sacraments.

adverb

After all others in chronology or sequence: arrived last.
Most recently: a fashion last popular in the 1940s.
At the end; finally: Add the butter last.

noun

One that is at the end or last: the last to be chosen; on every page but the last.
The end: held out until the last.
The final mention or appearance: haven't seen the last of our troubles.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English latost

Origin: , superlative of lǽt, late; see lē- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms:

lastˈly adverb

verb last·ed, last·ing, lasts

verb, intransitive

a. To continue in time; go on: The war lasted four years.
b. To continue; survive: The patient is not expected to last much longer.
a. To remain in good or usable condition: Produce lasts longer if it is refrigerated. I wanted a car that would last.
b. To continue in force or practice: wondered if the marriage would last.
To remain in adequate supply: Will our water last?

verb, transitive

To keep adequately supplied: left enough bread to last the family for the weekend.
To persist or endure for the entire length of; survive: hoped to last the season without injuring her leg again.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English lasten

Origin: , from Old English lǣstan; see leis-¹ in Indo-European roots

noun

A block or form shaped like a human foot and used in making or repairing shoes.

transitive verb last·ed, last·ing, lasts

To mold or shape on a last.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English leste, laste

Origin: , from Old English lǣste

Origin: , from lǣst, lāst, sole of the foot; see leis-¹ in Indo-European roots

noun
Chiefly British