last-gasp

adjective

ˈlas(t)-ˈgasp How to pronounce last-gasp (audio)
: done or coming at the very end
a last-gasp attempt to score
last gasp noun

Examples of last-gasp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The comic was first published in the 1950s, but the emphasis on last-gasp winners and talismanic performances continued until the mid-1990s — with narratives that cascaded through English football culture in the decades in between. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026 The reigning champions produced late drama in their last two knockout matches, beating England 2-1 and Egypt 3-2 with last-gasp goals after trailing for large portions of both games. — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 17 July 2026 Courtney Williams stole the subsequent inbounds pass, Miles made a free throw, and McBride grabbed a rebound of a last-gasp Phoenix attempt. — Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 14 July 2026 Take Croatia’s last-gasp equaliser against Portugal, disallowed due to a contentious offside ruling based on data collected by a microchip in the ball which detected a slight touch by a Croatia player in the build-up to the goal. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for last-gasp

Word History

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of last-gasp was in 1921

Rhymes for last-gasp

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Browse Nearby Words

Lastex
last-gasp
last-gasp goal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Last-gasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/last-gasp. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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