later; latest
1
a(1)
: coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time
a late spring
was late for class
(2)
: of, relating to, or imposed because of tardiness
had to pay a late fee
b(1)
: of or relating to an advanced stage in point of time or development : occurring near the end of a period of time or series
the late Middle Ages
(2)
: far advanced toward the close of the day or night
late hours
2
a
: living comparatively recently : now deceased
—used of persons
the late John Doe
and often with reference to a specific relationship or statushis late wife
b
: being something or holding some position or relationship recently but not now
the late belligerents
c
: made, appearing, or happening just previous to the present time especially as the most recent of a succession
our late quarrel
lateness
noun
later; latest
1
a
: after the usual or proper time
got to work late
b
: at or to an advanced point of time
2
: not long ago : recently
a writer late of Chicago
Synonyms
Examples of late in a Sentence
Adjective
It happened in late spring.
a word first recorded in the late 17th century
We had a late spring this year.
Hurry up or we'll be late for school.
Their warning was too late to help him.
I've always been a late riser.
He made a donation to the school in memory of his late wife.
Adverb
Late in the year he became ill.
It rained late in the day.
Late in his career he moved to the city.
a word first recorded late in the 17th century
They were trailing by a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
The package should be arriving late next week.
He sent in his job application late.
They arrived too late for breakfast.
I like getting up late.
The package arrived late, but better late than never!
Recent Examples on the Web
Annie Blackman, Allure, 23 Nov. 2024
After all, she's known Jason and Kylie Kelce for nearly a year, having met the couple for the first time at Travis Kelce's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in late January.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Nov. 2024
Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Of late, Lionsgate has a small little hit in Kingdom Story’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which has grossed $22M in its first two weeks on a $10M production cost.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for late 
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Adjective
Now, watch Brooke Shields style her classic bombshell hair:
Shop all of our latest obsessions in one place!
—Annie Blackman, Allure, 23 Nov. 2024
After all, she's known Jason and Kylie Kelce for nearly a year, having met the couple for the first time at Travis Kelce's playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in late January.
—Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 Nov. 2024
Adverb
But three of the biggest European players have hit financial woes of late.
—Nicole Kobie, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Of late, Lionsgate has a small little hit in Kingdom Story’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which has grossed $22M in its first two weeks on a $10M production cost.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for late
Dictionary Entries Near late
Cite this Entry
“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/late. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
late
1 of 2 adjective
later; latest
1
a
: coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time
a late spring
b
: of or relating to an advanced stage in time or development
the late Middle Ages
especially
: far advanced toward the close of the day or night
late hours
2
a
: having died or held some position or relationship recently
the late president
b
: recent sense 1b
a late discovery
lateness
noun
late
2 of 2 adverb
later; latest
1
a
: after the usual or proper time
came in late
b
: at or to an advanced point in time
later in the day
2
: not long ago
a musician late of Chicago
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