adjective
adjective
noun
-
no later than the time specified
-
informal the most recent fashion or development
Etymology
Origin of latest
A late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at late, -est 1
Explanation
Something that's the latest is the newest, most recent example of that thing. For example, some people always need to have the latest cellphone model, while you're perfectly happy with the one that came out three years ago. You can listen to a singer's latest single, or read a novelist's latest book — the ones most recently written and released. The adjective latest can also describe the very most fashionable thing, like the latest hairstyle or the latest men's suit design. "The latest" is also sometimes used to mean "the news," so you could say, "Hey, have you all heard the latest on the flood at school?"
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Virtually nothing” for the latest project will be first of a kind, said Mike Laufer, CEO of Kairos.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
After her latest ploy for attention, will there be anyone left who believes former Fox anchor Megyn Kelly stands for something other than her own brand?
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026
You’ll also receive updates on the latest from Slate’s Jurisprudence team.
From Slate • Apr. 23, 2026
Mackay interjected in the latest war of words between the two, saying it was a "bit of a boring psychodrama."
From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026
The latest Marvel movie: Mr. Kellerman thinks the soundtrack was “a little too on the nose,” whatever that means.
From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
