the last/final word

noun

1
: the final thing said in an argument or a discussion
Your mother's decision is the final word on the matter.
Why do you always have to have the last word?
2
: the power to make a final decision
The judge will have the last word on the divorce agreement.
3
informal : the most modern or best one of its kind
This is the last word in wireless phones.
The van's design is the last word in safety.

Examples of the last/final word in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dodgers shortstop Miguel Rojas may have gotten the last word in his beef with New York Yankees third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. without saying — or even writing — a word. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Instead of using the popular vote to determine the election’s winner, a group of electors have the last word. Doug Melville, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 This watch represents the final word on precision, constantly setting its time from the timing signals sent by the worldwide chain of low orbiting GPS satellites. David Flett, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2024 Antagonistic by nature, Black Moon Lilith in fiery Sagittarius debates universal truths and philosophies for fun — but always has to have the last word on matters and situations that can lead to dramatic disagreements. Lisa Stardust, People.com, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for the last/final word 

Dictionary Entries Near the last/final word

Cite this Entry

“The last/final word.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20last%2Ffinal%20word. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!