late

Definitions

1. adjective

   Near the end of a period of time.

   Examples

   • A late frost killed the young plants.
   • The meeting is set for late morning.
2. adjective

   Near the end of the day.

   Examples

   • It was getting late and I was tired.
   • We stayed up late talking.
3. adjective

   From the final part of a historical period.

   Examples

   • Late Latin is simpler than Classical Latin.
   • Late Roman buildings show Byzantine style.
4. adjective

   Coming after the expected time.

   Examples

   • The flowers were late because of the cold weather.
   • Panos was late for the meeting.
   ≈tardy
5. adjective

   Charged for paying after the due date, as in late fee.

   Examples

   • The power company stopped late fees during the pandemic.
   • A late fee applies after the fifth.
6. adjective

   Having a monthly period that has not started when expected.

   Examples

   • I am late, honey. Could you buy a test?
   • I am worried because I am never late.
7. adjective

   Recently dead, said before a name or title.

   Examples

   • Her late husband left her well provided for.
   • Mary was to inherit under her late father's will.
8. adjective

   Who held a position until recently.

   Examples

   • The late bishop of London was well loved.
   • The late government spent too much.
9. adjective

   Recent compared with the thing described.

   Examples

   • The late war left many people poor.
   • He has visited little in late years.
10. adjective

    Describing a type of star that is cooler than the sun.

    Examples

    • Late type stars burn cooler and dimmer than our sun.
    • Astronomers class K and M stars as late.