late

1 of 2

adjective

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 status
his 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

late

2 of 2

adverb

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
Phrases
of late
: in the period shortly or immediately preceding : recently
has been sick of late
Choose the Right Synonym for late

dead, defunct, deceased, departed, late mean devoid of life.

dead applies literally to what is deprived of vital force but is used figuratively of anything that has lost any attribute (such as energy, activity, radiance) suggesting life.

a dead, listless performance

defunct stresses cessation of active existence or operation.

a defunct television series

deceased, departed, and late apply to persons who have died recently.

deceased is the preferred term in legal use.

the estate of the deceased

departed is used usually as a euphemism.

our departed sister

late is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status.

the company's late president

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
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.
Adjective
The 56-year-old returns to standup comedy in his latest endeavor with Netflix, and the streaming platform has set a premiere date. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 1 Nov. 2024 McGregor’s latest target is UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. Brian Mazique, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Adverb
Huge moments Biden’s disastrous debate, Trump nearly being shot dead, Biden dropping out and Harris becoming the Democratic candidate so late in the race would alone have been enough to make this election historic. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024 Arrested in Iredell County late at night on August 13, 2024, Busch's offenses included speeding in a 45 mph zone and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for late 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Adverb

Middle English, late, slow, from Old English læt; akin to Old High German laz slow, Old English lǣtan to let

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of late was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near late

Cite this Entry

“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/late. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids 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
Etymology

Adjective

Old English læt "late, slow" — related to last entry 4

More from Merriam-Webster on late

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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