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 of latitude

• slack
• leeway

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

Better results at the plate have given the Phillies some latitude to make mistakes on defense. — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 29 June 2026

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 the effects of these pollutants are strongest at middle to high latitudes, variability is lowest near the tropics. — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 29 June 2026

Fin whales are typically found in deep, offshore waters in open seas, away from the coast, primarily in temperate to polar latitudes. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 22 June 2026

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

Rhymes for latitude

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude

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