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

Interestingly, the planet's greatest altitude at sunset will also be occurring at this time, when the ecliptic (the apparent path of the sun, moon and planets throughout the year) becomes nearly vertical with respect to the western horizon for observers in northern latitudes. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 3 Apr. 2026

Rather, the state framed the law as a restriction on professional conduct — an area where states have broad regulatory latitude. —Kevin Cope, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026

Auroras are most likely to be visible across high-latitude regions, including Alaska, northern Canada and parts of Scandinavia. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

In northern latitudes, greenhouses are usually oriented east to west, with a clear exposure on the south side (that means no shade). —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 1 Apr. 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