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 During the 1770 and 1859 events, the lights were seen around the world and at exceptionally low latitudes. Kim Beil, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes. Jamie Carter, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 The score gave the violinist great latitude in tempo and determining when the six different sections started. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024 Under apartheid, segregation’s opponents used the very limited latitude the law allowed them in order to challenge racially discriminatory laws. Steven Friedman, Foreign Affairs, 8 Feb. 2024 Bettman has wide latitude to make decisions in the interest of the game. Stephen Whyno, Twin Cities, 2 Feb. 2024 Southern comfort food blended with tastes of other longitudes and latitudes summarizes the UBK menu: gumbo to salmon, surf 'n' turf pasta to honey garlic pork chops, and gumbo worthy to stand with anything from south Louisiana. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 Sea ice hugs the coast of Hokkaido every winter, and is the lowest latitude sea ice in the world, but over recent years levels have been declining as global warming accelerates. Mayumi Maruyama, CNN, 6 Feb. 2024 Because of this, California law gives HOA boards some latitude in adjusting HOA assessments. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'latitude.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin latitudin-, latitudo, from latus wide; akin to Old Church Slavonic 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

Dictionary Entries Near latitude

Cite this Entry

“Latitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latitude. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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