altitude

American  

[al-ti-tood, -tyood] / ˈæl tɪˌtud, -ˌtjud /

noun

altitudes plural

1. the height of anything above a given planetary reference plane, especially above sea level on earth.

   Synonyms:

   elevation

2. extent or distance upward; height.

   Antonyms:

   depth

3. Astronomy. the angular distance of a heavenly body above the horizon.

4. Geometry.

   1. the perpendicular distance from the vertex of a figure to the side opposite the vertex.

   2. the line through the vertex of a figure perpendicular to the base.

5. Usually altitudes. a high place or region.

   mountain altitudes.

6. high or important position, rank, etc.

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altitude British  

/ ˈæltɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. the vertical height of an object above some chosen level, esp above sea level; elevation

2. geometry the perpendicular distance from the vertex to the base of a geometrical figure or solid

3. Also called: elevation.  astronomy nautical the angular distance of a celestial body from the horizon measured along the vertical circle passing through the body Compare azimuth

4. surveying the angle of elevation of a point above the horizontal plane of the observer

5. (often plural) a high place or region

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altitude Scientific  

/ ăl′tĭ-to̅o̅d′ /

1. The height of an object or structure above a reference level, usually above sea level or the Earth's surface.

2. Astronomy The position of a celestial object above an observer's horizon, measured in degrees along a line between the horizon (0°) and the zenith (90°). Unlike declination and celestial latitude —the corresponding points in other celestial coordinate systems—the altitude of star or other celestial object is dependent on an observer's geographic location and changes steadily as the sky passes overhead due to the rotation of the Earth.

3. Astronomy See more at altazimuth coordinate system

4. Mathematics The perpendicular distance from the base of a geometric figure, such as a triangle, to the opposite vertex, side, or surface.

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Synonym Usage

See height.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• altitudinal
  adjective
• altitudinous
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• altitudes
  plural

Etymology

Origin of altitude

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin altitūdō; see origin at alti-, -tude

Explanation

The noun altitude refers to how high something rises: “The high altitude of the Himalayan mountain range slowed the progress of the hikers.” Whether it refers to how high a plane is flying or to the height of a landform, the word altitude is used to describe an object’s elevation above a particular reference point. Altitude is typically measured from sea level, which is the average level of the sea’s surface. Something that is far above sea level — such as Mount Everest — is said to have a high altitude. Something closer to the ground — such as a plane approaching for landing — is said to have a low altitude.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

altitude altitudes

Each rocket will also be able to reach the required altitude in a single launch.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 23, 2026

A significant expense would be the launch itself: The system would require 838,000 pounds of ionizable material—lithium, barium or sodium—to be lofted to an altitude of 22,000 miles above Earth’s surface.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

With the notable exception of the already bankrupt Spirit, though, business has stabilized and is poised to gain altitude.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

Between the crowd, the altitude of Mexico City and the intensity of the Mexico players, England had to manage the game in numerous phases - phases so distinct that it felt like five smaller games.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Getting to the *Modem surveys using lasers and state-of-the-art Doppler satellite transmissions have revised this measurement upward a mere 26 feet—to the currendy accepted altitude of 29,028 feet, or 8,848 meters.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer

It also has players who compete for clubs accustomed to playing at Mexican altitudes, such as Pedro Vite of Pumas and Enner Valencia of Pachuca.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026

Prized for their payloads, long ranges and ability to fly at high altitudes, B-52s have played a role in many U.S. conflicts, including the war with Iran.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2026

Once it arrives, the spacecraft will orbit Psyche at several different altitudes while mapping the surface and collecting scientific data.

From Science Daily ● May 26, 2026

The skin of the plane would need to withstand temperatures up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit at top speed, and zero degrees—the external temperature—when the plane came to lower altitudes and slower speeds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 18, 2026

Because terraces soak up more sunlight than steep slopes, maize can be grown at higher than usual altitudes on them; irrigation similarly increases the area available for maize farming.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• distance
• elevation
• peak