lateadj/leɪt/

• 1

  Near the end of a period of time.

  • The seedlings appeared to be coming along nicely until a late frost killed them.
  • The meeting is convened for late morning.
• 2

  Specifically, near the end of the day.

  • It was getting late and I was tired.
• 3

  Associated with the end of a period.

  • Late Latin is less fully inflected than Classical Latin.
• 4

  Not arriving or occurring until after an expected time.

  • The flowers were late in blooming because of the prolonged cold weather.
  • Panos was so late that he arrived at the meeting after Antonio, who had the excuse of being in hospital for most of the night.
• 5

  Levied as a surcharge on a payment which has not arrived by a specified deadline.

  • The power company suspended late fees during the pandemic.
• 6

  Not having had an expected menstrual period.

  • I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?
  • I am very worried. I am never late.
• 7

  Recently deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. (Generally must be preceded by a possessive or an article, commonly “the”; see usage notes. Can itself only precede the person's name, never follow it.)

  • Her late husband had left her well provided for.
  • Mary was entitled to the crown by her late father’s testament.
• 8

  datedExisting or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.

  • the late bishop of London
  • the late administration

latenoun/leɪt/

• 1

  informalA shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

  • At about 11 pm one night in Corporation Street my watch were on van patrol and Yellow Watch were on late as usual.

lateadv/leɪt/

• 1

  After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

  • We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late.
• 2

  Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit.

  • Colonel Easterwood, late of the 34th Carbines, was a guest at the dinner party.
  • The Hendersons will all be there / Late of Pablo Fanque's Fair / What a scene!
• 3

  Not long ago; just now, recently.

  • He ſhall doe this, or elſe I doe recant / The pardon that I late pronounced heere.
  • Tears of the widower, when he sees ⁠A late-lost form that sleep reveals, ⁠And moves his doubtful arms, and feels Her place is empty, fall like these; […]