adjective

1. Near the end of a period of time.

   “It was late in the evening when we finally arrived.”

2. Specifically, near the end of the day.

   “It was getting late and I was tired.”

3. (usually not comparable) Associated with the end of a period.

   “Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin.”

adverb

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.”

3. Not long ago; just now.

Synonyms: erenow, freshly, belatedly

noun

1. The most recent thing, particularly information or news.

   “Have you heard the latest?”