Illustration of latitude
- hemisphere marked with parallels of latitude
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
4
archaic
: extent or distance from side to side : width
latitudinally
adverb
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
Record the latitude and longitude whey any pythons were found, and be sure to take lots of photos to provide conservationists.
—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 July 2026
While it is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere where the radiant point in the constellation Aquarius climbs high in the sky, observers in low northern latitudes can often catch a decent show as well.
—
Michael D'estries,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2026
North Platte, Nebraska, is roughly about the same latitude as Pittsburgh but has managed to hit 100 degrees or greater the same number of times as Pittsburgh since August 3, 2022.
—
Trey Fulbright,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
Better results at the plate have given the Phillies some latitude to make mistakes on defense.
—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for latitude
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
2 July 2026
While it is best viewed from the Southern Hemisphere where the radiant point in the constellation Aquarius climbs high in the sky, observers in low northern latitudes can often catch a decent show as well.
—
Michael D'estries,
Travel + Leisure,
1 July 2026
North Platte, Nebraska, is roughly about the same latitude as Pittsburgh but has managed to hit 100 degrees or greater the same number of times as Pittsburgh since August 3, 2022.
—
Trey Fulbright,
CBS News,
1 July 2026
Better results at the plate have given the Phillies some latitude to make mistakes on defense.
—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for latitude
Cite this Entry
“Latitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latitude. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
latitudinally
adverb
-ē
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