late (comparative later, superlative latest) 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. I've had too many late nights recently. In Southern U.S., evening is used for middle to late afternoon. Specifically, near the end of the day. LATE definition: 1. (happening or being) near the end of a period of time: 2. (happening or arriving) after the…. Learn more. Some common synonyms of late are dead, deceased, defunct, and departed. While all these words mean devoid of life, late is used especially with reference to a person in a specific relation or status. Late means after the expected time, or at the end of a certain period of time. if you're late for a movie, you get to the theater after the film's already started. If you're a late sleeper, you make a habit of dozing long after your alarm goes off. LATE meaning: 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. Find 92 different ways to say LATE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. 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. 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. 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.