Johnny-come-lately UK /ˌdʒɒni.kʌmˈleɪtli/US /ˌdʒɑːni.kʌmˈleɪtli/ noun[before a noun]1 •A newcomer; a novice; an upstart.She might take offense if some Johnny-come-lately thinks he can do a better job. formsJohnnies-come-lately · Johnny-come-latelies