latitude

noun

lat·​i·​tude ˈla-tə-ˌtüd 

-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

: scope, range

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 

-ˈtyü-;

-ˈtüd-nəl

-ˈtyüd-

adjective

latitudinally adverb

Illustration of latitude

• hemisphere marked with parallels of latitude

Synonyms

• leeway
• slack
• space
• wiggle room

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

Here’s How to See Them Next Time On May 10 and 11, an unusually strong geomagnetic storm allowed people around the world to view the northern lights at latitudes where they’re rarely seen, from Florida to Spain. —Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Dec. 2024

Aurora is typically seen in polar regions at around latitudes of 70 degrees north and south, but during intense periods of solar activity the auroral oval can bulge, with displays then seen as low as 25 degrees north and south of the equator. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Going forward, Hochman said, prosecutors will also have wider latitude to seek sentencing enhancements, which can add several years to the prison terms of defendants convicted of gun or gang crimes. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 3 Dec. 2024

As average air temperature in the latitudes of Florida increase, the ocean water temperature increases as well. —Erik Klemetti, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024

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

Kids Definition

latitude

noun

lat·​i·​tude ˈlat-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

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

ˌlat-ə-ˈt(y)üd-nəl 

-ᵊn-əl

adjective

latitudinally

-ē

adverb