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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | læt |
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late1 S1 W1
comparative later, superlative latest
comparative later, superlative latest1 arriving, happening, or done after the time that was expected, agreed, or arranged [≠ early]: 
Sorry I'm late - I overslept.The train was even later than usual. We apologize for the late departure of flight AZ709. There are penalties if loan repayments are late.
after expected time
Sorry I'm late - I overslept.The train was even later than usual.We apologize for the late departure of flight AZ709.There are penalties if loan repayments are late.2 used to refer to the part near the end of a period of time [≠ early]: a late eighteenth century building Paul's in his late forties. in the late 1980s By late afternoon, she had done 10 drawings.
near the end
[only before noun]a late eighteenth century buildingPaul's in his late forties.in the late 1980sBy late afternoon, she had done 10 drawings.3 to arrive or do something after the time when something could or should have been done :
be too late
4 happening or done after the usual or normal time : a late breakfast The harvest was late this year because of the rain.
after usual time
a late breakfastThe harvest was late this year because of the rain.7
late developer/bloomer
MIa) a child who develops socially, emotionally, or physically at a later age than other children
b) someone who does not become successful until they are older
8 used to show disapproval because someone has done something too late : It's a bit late in the day to start having objections.
it's (a little/bit) late in the day (to do something)
It's a bit late in the day to start having objections.9 used about someone who has died fairly recently : Billy Hicks, late of this parish
late of something
formalBilly Hicks, late of this parish —lateness noun [uncountable] penalties for lateness at work despite the lateness of the hour
penalties for lateness at workdespite the lateness of the hour