- superlative of late.
adjective
adjective
noun
-
no later than the time specified
-
informal the most recent fashion or development
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
After the latest corrections, however, engineers measured an optical error of just 63 nanometers RMS, substantially better than the original requirement.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 17, 2026
Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics, wrote that he thinks the latest inflation data will prompt enough Fed policymakers to pivot to support the October and December option.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 17, 2026
LaFleur is the latest former Rams offensive assistant to be hired as a head coach.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 17, 2026
Find insight on J&T Global Express, ARB and more in the latest Market Talks covering Auto and Transport.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
But then I snapped back, realizing Aunt Kitty was still in character for the latest case.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
Of course, that doesn’t stop either faction from being suckered in by Frank’s latests hoax at the end of the episode.
From Time ● Sep. 12, 2013
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