later; latest
Definition of late
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a(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
2a
: 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
late
adverb
later; latest
Definition of late (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: 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
of late
: in the period shortly or immediately preceding : recently
has been sick of late
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
Name That Food
-
- Name these cookies!

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share late
Time Traveler for late
The first known use of late was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century