Illustration of latitude
- hemisphere marked with parallels of latitude
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
4
archaic
: extent or distance from side to side : width
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
By segmenting the categories that will be the big engines this holiday, retailers will have more latitude to be more selective with their promotions.
—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
But the Girl Scouts have partnered for years with religious groups, including Catholic parishes, and the organization allows troops latitude in determining whether their activities, badges and rules are religious in nature.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2024
Trump would have some latitude in setting and implementing tariffs, experts previously told ABC News.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for latitude 
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Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
But the Girl Scouts have partnered for years with religious groups, including Catholic parishes, and the organization allows troops latitude in determining whether their activities, badges and rules are religious in nature.
—Dan Horn, The Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2024
Trump would have some latitude in setting and implementing tariffs, experts previously told ABC News.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for latitude
Dictionary Entries Near latitude
Cite this Entry
“Latitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latitude. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
latitudinally
adverb
-ē
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