Pronunciation: [lˈast ˈa͡ʊ͡ə] (IPA) 
The phonetic transcription of "last hour" is /læst ˈaʊər/. The spelling of this word follows the rules of English phonology, whereby "l" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar lateral consonant, "a" as a short vowel "æ", "s" as a voiceless alveolar sibilant consonant, "t" as a voiceless alveolar plosive consonant, followed by a glottal stop /ʔ/ before pronouncing "aʊ" as a diphthong, and finally "r" as a voiced alveolar trill.
Last hour refers to the final sixty minutes of a designated time period, usually a day or other defined timeframe. It is a term used primarily to denote the nearing end of a specific period or event. The concept of the last hour can be applied in various contexts, such as in everyday life, sports, business, or even historical events.
In everyday life, the last hour might refer to the final stretch of a workday or school day, when individuals typically start wrapping up their tasks and preparing to end their day. This period is often characterized by a heightened sense of urgency and a focus on completing pending or imminent assignments.
In sports, the last hour can signify the closing moments of a competitive match or event. It is when athletes often give their final push or make critical decisions to secure victory or avoid defeat. The last hour in sports is often associated with intense excitement, anticipation, and high levels of pressure.
In a business context, the last hour may pertain to the end of the business day, when employees focus on concluding their work, reconciling accounts, or preparing for the next day's operations. It is a time when individuals aim to ensure that any outstanding tasks or pending matters are addressed to maintain efficiency and productivity.
Within historical events, the last hour can refer to the impending conclusion of a significant period or era. It signifies the final moments leading up to a critical turning point or defining event. The last hour in history often holds great significance, as it is associated with major changes, transitions, or conclusions that affect the course of events.
The word "last" originated from the Old English word "læcest" or "latost", which means "most recent" or "final". The word "hour" derives from the Old English word "hōr", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "hōri", meaning "hour" or "time". The combination of "last" and "hour" results in the phrase "last hour", referring to the final segment of time before an event or the end of something.
