latency

American  

[leyt-n-see] / ˈleɪt n si /

noun

plural

latencies

1. the state of being latent.

2. latent period.

3. Computers. the period of delay when one component of a hardware system is waiting for an action to be executed by another component.

4. Digital Technology. the time required online or in a network for the one-way or round-trip transfer of data between two nodes.

5. Digital Technology. (in virtual reality and other types of simulation) the discrepancy between the time delay of stimulus and response in the simulation as compared to the real-world equivalent.

---

Etymology

Origin of latency

First recorded in 1630–40; lat(ent) + -ency

Explanation

Latency is a noun referring to something inactive, dormant, or lying in wait. It’s the state of not being visibly active yet — like when you're hiding out and waiting to jump up and yell "Surprise!" Perhaps a little late, perhaps right on time, latency will wake up from its nap eventually. For a characteristic or skill to be in a period of latency, it does have to exist. So you should only use latency to describe your pitching ability if there is a fastball in you somewhere – otherwise, just admit you can’t pitch. If you’re in the lab, latency is also used to describe the period between a stimulus and a response.

Example Sentences

“All of these disruptive themes depend on low latency, moving data and the speed of moving data,” she said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 27, 2026

When it comes to running AI models, delays, known as latency, and energy consumption are tied to moving data in and out of memory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

In Australia, Surfshark’s ping times ranged from 229 to 281 ms, while NordVPN’s latency was slightly lower, averaging 210 to 260 ms.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Morgan Stanley agreed, arguing that cybersecurity tools need to have zero latency and near-100% accuracy—two features AI tools still lack.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

There is, however, one presently known exception to the fact that a long period of latency is common to most malignancies.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson