01a.
Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.
1.
Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.
2.
Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life.
3.
Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; recently deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration.
4.
Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence.
5.
Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher.
02adv.
After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to early.
1.
After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to early.
2.
Not long ago; lately.
3.
Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night.
Phrases & compounds
Of late —
in time not long past, or near the present; lately; as, the practice is of late uncommon.
Too late —
after the proper or available time; when the time or opportunity is past.