the latter

noun

1

: the second one of two things or people that have been mentioned

Of these two options, the former is less expensive, while the latter is less risky.

2

: the last thing or person mentioned

Of chicken, fish, and meat, I like the latter best.

3

: the thing or person that has just been mentioned

The President—or, if the latter is too busy, the Vice President—will see you shortly.

Examples of the latter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Matt Futterman For Fonseca, a first ATP Tour title built on solidity rather than spectacle Before the latter stages of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, Joao Fonseca’s introduction to the tennis world had been all sparkle. —Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 17 Feb. 2025

The former was a classic his mother loved, the latter a favorite because Harrison Ford is her hero. —Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 16 Feb. 2025

The Jayhawks let Utah get out to an 11-point lead at one point and spent the latter part of the first period trying to cut that margin down. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 16 Feb. 2025

In the run-up to the British Academy Film Awards, the question swirled: Would the night confirm the latter’s surge and give it yet another boost ahead of the Academy Awards, or would another dark horse emerge and upend everything? Below, see all of the winners from the 2025 BAFTAs. —Radhika Seth, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2025