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
As governor, Kehoe enjoys wide latitude to set the parameters of the special session.
—
Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
In Miami, which is only about two degrees north of the Tropical latitudes, sunset on May 26 is at 8:05 p.m.
—Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 26 May 2025
Classic models frame leaders as architects of change with wide latitude.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Big companies generally have more latitude to handle cost increases and other economic headwinds than their smaller counterparts.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for latitude
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Jonathan Shorman, Kansas City Star, 27 May 2025
In Miami, which is only about two degrees north of the Tropical latitudes, sunset on May 26 is at 8:05 p.m.
—Jesse Emspak, Space.com, 26 May 2025
Classic models frame leaders as architects of change with wide latitude.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Big companies generally have more latitude to handle cost increases and other economic headwinds than their smaller counterparts.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 21 May 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 3 Jun. 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
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