latecomer

noun

late·​com·​er ˈlāt-ˌkə-mər How to pronounce latecomer (audio)
Synonyms of latecomernext
: one that arrives late
also : a recent arrival

Examples of latecomer in a Sentence

Latecomers had to park their cars far from the stadium.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Several 2025 latecomers were worth mentioning here as well. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 4 Jan. 2026 Rivals like Geely, China’s second-largest EV maker, fast-rising competitor Leapmotor and latecomer Xiaomi, which debuted its first EV only in 2024, have gradually eroded BYD’s domestic market share. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 2 Jan. 2026 As a latecomer, Miami was able to address that issue early. Miami Herald, 31 Dec. 2025 Michigan is a latecomer in the college football coaching carousel. Jordan Sigler, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for latecomer

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of latecomer was in 1599

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Cite this Entry

“Latecomer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latecomer. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

latecomer

noun
late·​com·​er ˈlāt-ˌkəm-ər How to pronounce latecomer (audio)
: one who arrives late
also : one who has recently arrived

More from Merriam-Webster on latecomer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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