Meaning

• Near the end of a period of time.

  "It was late in the evening when we finally arrived."

• Specifically, near the end of the day.

  "It was getting late and I was tired."

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

  "Late Latin is less fully inflected than classical Latin."

• Not arriving until after an expected time.

  "Even though we drove as fast as we could, we were still late."

• Not having had an expected menstrual period.

  "I'm late, honey. Could you buy a test?"

• Deceased, dead: used particularly when speaking of the dead person's actions while alive. (Often used with "the"; see usage notes.)

  "Her late husband had left her well provided for."

• Existing or holding some position not long ago, but not now; departed, or gone out of office.

  "the late administration"

• Recent — relative to the noun it modifies.

• Of a star or class of stars, cooler than the sun.

Meaning

• After a deadline has passed, past a designated time.

  "We drove as fast as we could, but we still arrived late."

• 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."

• Not long ago; just now.

Meaning

• The most recent thing, particularly information or news.

  "Have you heard the latest?"