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

Thanks to its more compact size, the latter makes the list of our favorite small phones. —PCMAG, 25 May 2024

The former climbs 28-24 for a new peak, while the latter rebounds 34-23, after having reached a No. 20 best. —Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 22 May 2024