1. distances north or south of the equator measured in degrees
Usage: geography
2. regions or areas of the earth at particular distances from the equator
Usage: geography
3. freedom of action or choice; scope for variation
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Ships use GPS to determine their exact latitudes and longitudes.
• Tropical latitudes experience warm weather year-round.
• The northern latitudes have shorter daylight hours in winter.
• Penguins are found only in southern latitudes.
• The teacher gave students considerable latitudes in choosing their research topics.
• The new policy allows managers greater latitudes in decision-making.
• Different latitudes receive varying amounts of solar radiation.