latitude

lat·i·tude | \ ˈla-tə-ˌtüd

, -ˌtyüd \

Definition of latitude

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

3a : 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

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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 Every effort was made to convince our leadership to give us the latitude to roll out personal protective equipment. — TheWeek, "TSA whistleblower blasts 'gross mismanagement,' alleges agency's inaction 'contributed to the spread of the coronavirus'," 19 June 2020 The state legislature has given the governor wide latitude to make decisions during the pandemic and lawmakers have not taken steps to curtail his authority. — Washington Examiner, "After Illinois State Fair canceled, communities brace for economic hit," 16 June 2020 As used by the department, the tactic gave officers wide latitude to detain suspects. — NBC News, "NYPD is disbanding a unit that is the 'last chapter' of stop-and-frisk," 16 June 2020 By eroding concern for privacy, the terrorist attacks established the conditions that gave these companies the latitude to plunder personal data. — Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, "Big Tech’s Pandemic Power Grab," 12 June 2020 Ordinary tort law gives the courts significant latitude to decide whether companies took reasonable steps to avoid harm to their customers and others. — Timothy B. Lee, Ars Technica, "The Internet’s most important—and misunderstood—law, explained," 10 June 2020 While setting general parameters, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act gives the Treasury wide latitude over how the money is to be distributed. — Anchorage Daily News, "This Treasury official is running the pandemic relief fund. It’s been great for his family.," 2 June 2020 While setting general parameters, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act gives the Treasury wide latitude over how the money is to be distributed. — Justin Elliott, ProPublica, "This Treasury Official Is Running the Bailout. It’s Been Great for His Family.," 2 June 2020 Guidelines for reopening nursing homes includes latitude On Monday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued guidance for relaxing nursing home restrictions. — Kameel Stanley, USA TODAY, "Families still need care, but many are afraid of nursing homes amid the coronavirus pandemic," 23 May 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'latitude.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.