a length of time when something happens later than it should or later than was planned
Because of the snowstorm, there was a three-hour delay in the train schedule.
We apologised for the delay in sending the birthday gift.
✦ Late 14th century from Old French delai, from deleer “to leave off, postpone,” influenced by Latin differre “to put off.”
to make something happen later than planned, or to happen later itself
Road works may delay your journey by an hour.
The teacher delayed the test to give the class more study time.
✦ From Old French deleer, based on Latin differre “to put off.”
