later; latest
1
: existing or happening near the end of a period of time
It happened in late spring.
His health problems began when he was in his late thirties. [=when he was about 38 or 39 years old]
The problems began in the late 1930s. [=in about 1938 or 1939]
a word first recorded in the late 17th century
It was late (in the evening) when we finally went to bed.
2
a
: coming or happening after the usual, expected, or desired time
The train is (a half hour) late.
We had a late spring this year.
I'm sorry I'm late.
He made a late payment. = He was late with his payment. = He was late (in) paying.
Hurry up or we'll be late for school.
We arrived late because we got/had/made a late start. [=we started at a later time than we had meant to]
Their warning was too late to help him.
b
: doing something after the usual time or after others usually do
I've always been a late riser.
a late walker [=a child who learned to walk at a later age than most other children]
3
always used before a noun
: living until recently : not now living
He made a donation to the school in memory of his late wife.
the late John Smith
later; latest
1
: at or near the end of a period of time or a process, activity, series, etc.
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.
2
: after the usual or expected time
She arrived at work (a half hour) late.
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!
She's been working late.
They stayed late.
Cite this Entry
“Late.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/late. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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