Near the end of a period of time. / Specifically, near the end of the day. / (usually not comparable) Associated with the end of a period. / Not arriving until after an expected time.

(informal) A shift (scheduled work period) that takes place late in the day or at night.

After a deadline has passed, past a designated time. / Formerly, especially in the context of service in a military unit. / Not long ago; just now.

Recently; not long ago; of late.

(idiomatic) In the recent past; recently; lately.

The property of being late.

(idiomatic) Lately; recently.

at a late stage of something

(obsolete) Belated; too late; delayed, overtaken by night.

plural of lateness