Definition of late adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Late refers to a situation or event that occurs after the expected, scheduled, or usual time. This term can also be used to describe something or someone pertaining to an advanced stage or toward the end of a period. Coming, appearing, or continuing after the usual or proper time; slow or tardy; long delayed; prolonged; behind time: opposed to early: as, a late arrival; a late summer; a late embryo. LATE definition: occurring, coming, or being after the usual or proper time: a late spring. See examples of late used in a sentence. The meaning of LATE is coming or remaining after the due, usual, or proper time. How to use late in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Late. LATE definition: 1. (happening or being) near the end of a period of time: 2. (happening or arriving) after the…. Learn more. 1. After the expected, usual, or proper time: a train that arrived late; woke late and had to skip breakfast. 2. a. At or until an advanced hour: talked late into the evening. b. At or into an advanced period or stage: a project undertaken late in her career. at or to an advanced time, period, or stage: The flowers keep their blossoms late in warm climates. recently but no longer: a man late of Chicago, now living in Philadelphia. Late means after the usual time that a particular event or activity happens. We went to bed very late. He married late. Near the end of a period of time. The seedlings appeared to be coming along nicely until a late frost killed them. The meeting is convened for late morning. In Southern U.S., evening is used for middle to late afternoon. Specifically, near the end of the day. It was getting late and I was tired.