Definitions for the word "late" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. v.
Coming after the time when due, or after the usual or proper time; not early; slow; tardy; long delayed; as, a late spring.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. v.
Far advanced toward the end or close; as, a late hour of the day; a late period of life.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. v.
Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; lately deceased, departed, or gone out of office; as, the late bishop of London; the late administration.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. v.
Not long past; happening not long ago; recent; as, the late rains; we have received late intelligence.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. v.
Continuing or doing until an advanced hour of the night; as, late revels; a late watcher.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. a.
After the usual or proper time, or the time appointed; after delay; as, he arrived late; -- opposed to early.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. a.
Not long ago; lately.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. a.
Far in the night, day, week, or other particular period; as, to lie abed late; to sit up late at night.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. adj.
1 after the due or usual time; occurring or done after the proper time. 2 a far on in the day or night or in a specified period. B far on in development. 3 flowering or ripening towards the end of the season. 4 no longer alive; no longer having the specified status, former (my late husband; the late prime minister). 5 of recent date. adv. 1 after the due or usual time. 2 far on in time. 3 at or till a late hour. 4 at a late stage of development. 5 formerly but not now (late of the scillies). late in the day colloq. At a late stage in the proceedings. lateness n. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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