latitude

noun

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

Other Words from latitude Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about latitude

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Other Words from latitude

latitudinal \ ˌla-tə-ˈtüd-nəl

, -ˈtyüd- ; -ˈtü-də-nəl , -ˈtyü- \ adjective

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

In the simulation, reflective aerosols are injected at 15 and 30 degrees latitude in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and the world makes no effort to cut its ever-increasing greenhouse gas emissions. — Scott K. Johnson, Ars Technica, "Geoengineering could stop warming but comes with side of sea-level rise," 31 Oct. 2018 His annotations reveal details of his conception of his imaginary world and its association with the real world, including the fact that Oxford is on the same latitude as Hobbiton. — Michael Fitzgerald, WSJ, "‘Tolkien: Maker of Middle-Earth’ Review: Bringing a World to Life," 30 July 2018 The court’s docket is different, and the justices have more latitude in making their decisions. — Kevin Cope, Washington Post, "Exactly how conservative are the judges on Trump’s short list for the Supreme Court? Take a look at this one chart.," 7 July 2018 Trump has given both men wide latitude in the West Wing, officials have said. — Kevin Liptak, CNN, "Comey who? Buoyant Trump kicks off week in Florida," 16 Apr. 2018 The city is on roughly the same latitude as San Francisco and Virginia Beach, both of which are far milder due to their lower elevation and proximity to the ocean. — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, "Wild winds wreak havoc at Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang," 12 Feb. 2018 Yoichi is located on Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four principal islands and sits at about the same latitude as Toronto. — Sam Dangremond, Town & Country, "Why You Should Be Drinking Japanese Whiskey Now," 15 Nov. 2018 Guam's airport has large runways, a favorable climate, and a latitude only about 14 degrees north of the equator. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "Rocket Report: Rokot ending, more spaceports, back-to-back Falcon Heavies," 21 Dec. 2018 These three Civics offer a wide latitude of driving virtue and price points. — Car and Driver, "2019 10Best Cars," 28 Nov. 2018

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.