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
Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjustment Brushes One of Adobe's latest brushes is the Adjustment brush.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
The decision was a blow to Democrats after the Democratic National Committee, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union had sued to allow a portion of voters who received their absentee ballots late to be able to cast their votes after Election Day.
—Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for late 
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Adjective
The Lakers’ already depleted frontcourt took another hit with their latest injury.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 13 Nov. 2024
Adjustment Brushes One of Adobe's latest brushes is the Adjustment brush.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Adverb
With Davis absent for the final 17-plus minutes, LeBron James dialed up his intensity in the latter stages of the third quarter and early in the fourth, helping the Lakers turn a five-point deficit late in the third (77-72) into a double-digit (103-89) early in the fourth.
—Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 10 Nov. 2024
The decision was a blow to Democrats after the Democratic National Committee, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union had sued to allow a portion of voters who received their absentee ballots late to be able to cast their votes after Election Day.
—Ashley Oliver, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 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 26 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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