latitude

noun

lat·​i·​tude ˈla-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce latitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: angular distance from some specified circle or plane of reference: such as
a
: angular distance north or south from the earth's equator measured through 90 degrees
an island located at 40 degrees north latitude
b
: a region or locality as marked by its latitude
c
: angular distance of a celestial body from the ecliptic
2
: freedom of action or choice
students are allowed considerable latitude in choosing courses
3
a
b
: the range of exposures within which a film or plate will produce a negative or positive of satisfactory quality
4
archaic : extent or distance from side to side : width
latitudinal
ˌla-tə-ˈtü-də-nəl How to pronounce latitude (audio)
-ˈtyü-;
-ˈtüd-nəl
-ˈtyüd-
adjective
latitudinally adverb

Illustration of latitude

Illustration of latitude
  • hemisphere marked with parallels of latitude

Examples of latitude in a Sentence

a map of the world showing lines of latitude and longitude located at a latitude of 40 degrees north Madrid and New York City are on nearly the same latitude. islands located at different latitudes We weren't given much latitude in deciding how to do the job. The judge has wide latitude to reject evidence for the trial.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For those in northern latitudes, tonight could bring a chance to witness the northern lights. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Back on board, refuel with the world’s only Alain Ducasse restaurant at sea, which elevates fine dining to new latitudes. Jennifer Kester, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 This means that the aurora borealis may be viewed from lower latitudes than usual. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025 In Southern states, this typically begins in February and March, while in Northern states, nesting usually begins in late March and April, depending on the latitude and elevation. Anne Readel, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for latitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin latitudin-, latitudo, from latus wide; akin to Old Church Slavic postĭlati to spread

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of latitude was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Latitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latitude. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

latitude

noun
lat·​i·​tude ˈlat-ə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce latitude (audio)
1
a
: distance north or south from the equator measured in degrees
b
: a region or locality as marked by its latitude
2
: freedom from narrow restrictions
were allowed latitude in picking report topics
latitudinal adjective
latitudinally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on latitude

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!