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
The times and dates given apply to mid-northern latitudes.
—
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Participating in the type of cover-up his supporters decry
The backlash over the Trump administration's memo and the president's defense of Bondi has been swift and intense from supporters who have given him wide latitude in the past.
—Stephen Fowler, NPR, 14 July 2025
Chilly summer days aren’t uncommon in these parts—which makes sense considering the Jutland shares latitude lines with Alaska.
—Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
In cities like Houston, New Orleans and Phoenix — near 30 degrees north in latitude — the amount of solar energy reaching Earth’s atmosphere in summer is more than double what those cities receive in winter.
—Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for latitude
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Participating in the type of cover-up his supporters decry
The backlash over the Trump administration's memo and the president's defense of Bondi has been swift and intense from supporters who have given him wide latitude in the past.
—Stephen Fowler, NPR, 14 July 2025
Chilly summer days aren’t uncommon in these parts—which makes sense considering the Jutland shares latitude lines with Alaska.
—Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2025
In cities like Houston, New Orleans and Phoenix — near 30 degrees north in latitude — the amount of solar energy reaching Earth’s atmosphere in summer is more than double what those cities receive in winter.
—Tyler Ory, CNN Money, 5 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for latitude
Cite this Entry
“Latitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/latitude. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share