lat

1 of 3

noun

ˈlat 

plural lats

informal

: a broad, flat muscle of the middle and lower back : latissimus dorsi

—usually plural

In centuries past, people did not act like captive hamsters. If a person chopped wood or ran a long way, it was because he or she needed fuel or wanted to get somewhere. Now we do such things to fit into new pants or develop our lats.

—Rick Telander

lat

2 of 3

abbreviation (1)

latitude

LAT

3 of 3

abbreviation (2)

local apparent time

Examples of lat in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Bent Over Double Dumbbell Row This quick and efficient exercise targets all the major muscles in your back, lats, rhomboids and traps (plus your arms and core) included. —Leoni Jesner, Health, 4 Nov. 2024

This move primarily works your lats, rhomboids, and traps, plus your core, biceps, and deltoids. —Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 9 Oct. 2024

Twelve months prior to testing as part of the study, his training typically consisted of lower-body squats, deadlifts, leg presses, knee extensions, upper-body bench presses, shoulder presses, dumbbell/barbell rows, and lat pull-downs. —New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2024

Slowly lower the barbell back down to the ground while keeping your lower back straight and lat muscles tight. —Laura Campedelli, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1939, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

lat

noun

ˈlat 

: latissimus dorsi

—usually used in plural