late

adjective

\ ˈlāt

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

Other Words from late Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about late

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Choose the Right Synonym for late

Adjective

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: Adjective

The relationship between Keith Rocco and the late Ted Christopher is forever part of the fabric of the history of SK Modified racing in Connecticut. — Shawn Courchesne, courant.com, "Rocco honors Christopher with Modified Shootout win at Stafford," 13 July 2019 More production at first base After going much of the season without much production at first base, things have been much better of late with the lefty-right platoon of Eric Thames and Jesús Aguilar, respectively. — Tom Haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Brewers go back to eight relievers by optioning infielder Mauricio Dubon, calling up Jay Jackson," 13 July 2019 The movie is based on a script written by Fincher’s late father, who died in 2003. — Dami Lee, The Verge, "Netflix’s Mindhunter will return for a second season in August," 12 July 2019 As of late, the fashion industry is shifting its focus toward sustainability and inclusivity, so why shouldn’t curvy people have more clothing options, more specifically, vintage and secondhand? — Emma Zack, Teen Vogue, "Why I Started a Store for Plus-Size Vintage Clothing," 12 July 2019 Serena Williams never fails to wow us, but her latest magazine feature may just be our favorite Serena moment yet. — Christina Oehler, Health.com, "Serena Williams’s Harper’s Bazaar Cover Comes With Important Message About Being Body Shamed," 12 July 2019 This year, without Layleen, Brown and roughly 20 of her late sister’s friends and family marched and danced with the New York City Anti-Violence Project. — Mankaprr Conteh, Vogue, "How Layleen Cubilette-Polanco’s Family, the House of Xtravaganza, and Activists Are Mourning and Organizing a Month After Her Death," 12 July 2019 But the authorities often refuse to act, or act far too late to help. — Andrew Higgins, New York Times, "Ignored at Home, Battered Russian Women Take Cases to Europe," 11 July 2019 The homes are fully furnished, decorated and landscaped, and feature the latest in building trends, technology and interior design. — Lennie Omalza, The Courier-Journal, "Homearama house in Dove Point Estates inspired by the Mediterranean coast," 11 July 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

The best deals on Prime Day historically have happened during daylight hours, not late at night. — Chris Morris, Fortune, "Amazon Prime Day vs. Black Friday: Which Shopping Event Has the Best Deals?," 15 July 2019 The group’s organizers are mostly young Jews, staying up late, taking time off work and using their free time to plan the string of actions. — Ben Kesslen, NBC News, "'Never again means close the camps': Jews protest ICE across the country," 15 July 2019 Walk a dog for an elderly or ill friend or neighbor or to aid someone who works late. — Pam Dowd, orlandosentinel.com, "Losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking, and we can help ease the pain by honoring their legacies | Commentary," 14 July 2019 Attorneys have said that many people miss court because of bureaucratic errors, like their notices to appear being sent late or to the wrong address. — Camilo Montoya-galvez, CBS News, "Former DHS chief warns immigrants not to open doors for ICE without a warrant," 14 July 2019 Longoria, Slater and Dickerson have provided plenty of pop of late, but the Giants have also received significant contributions from center fielder Kevin Pillar who leads the team with 19 doubles and is second with 12 home runs. — Kerry Crowley, The Mercury News, "Five keys to the San Francisco Giants’ best stretch of baseball this season," 13 July 2019 Runner-up Scott Dixon provided Pagenaud a brief scare late, turning Pagenaud’s six-second lead into about 1 second with less than 10 laps to go. — Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Simon Pagenaud delivers statement win in Toronto: ‘Never count me out’," 13 July 2019 Some court notices were sent late or to incorrect addresses, or after hearings had already passed. — Anchorage Daily News, "Trump says ICE raids to start Sunday, emphasizing purge of criminal immigrants," 13 July 2019 That is largely attributed to the shale oil boom that began late in George W. Bush’s administration and proceeded apace during the Obama years. — Seth Borenstein, The Denver Post, "Trump administration fact check: Environment, VA, Russia and jobs," 13 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'late.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.