latest
- 1Newest, or happening more recently than anything before it.
Like the newest toy in the store, the one that just arrived today.
Have you heard the latest news about the school trip?
She always wants the latest video game the moment it comes out.
UsageLatest means the newest so far. Last can mean the one before it, or the final one.
- 2The newest thing, especially news or information about something.
Like a fresh update that reaches you the moment something happens.
Have you heard the latest about the office move?
She always knows the latest in fashion and music.
UsageSay the latest, often with on or about: the latest about the move.
Note
- 3No later than a given time, marking the last moment something can happen.
Please send me the photos by Friday latest.
I need the car keys back latest by noon.
UsageIn careful writing, say at the latest after the time: by Friday at the latest.
Oppositeearliest
Less common meanings
- 4Superlative of late. Use it for the one that comes last in time, or furthest past the usual time.
Nine o'clock is the latest time I can meet you tonight.
They booked the latest appointment the clinic still had open.
UsageThe latest train can mean the last one of the day, or the newest one. Context tells you which.
Note
- 5Superlative of late. Use it when something happens after all the others.
Of everyone on the team, she arrived latest.
He stayed latest at the office that evening.
UsageUsually after the verb, often with of all: she left latest of all.
Note
- 6Last or final, coming at the very end of something.
Whiles the sad pang approching she does feele, / Brayes out her latest breath, and vp her eyes doth seele.
1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie QueeneHere, latest means last, so her latest breath is her final breath.Note
Showing meanings only.
latest is a form of late
late, adjective: Coming or happening after the expected or planned time. Full entry
- Spelling
- late → latest: add -st
Practice
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Origin
It comes from Old English "latost," the superlative of "læt," which gives us the word "late."
Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 3 facts
- Latest comes from Old English latost. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English latost is the superlative of læt. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English læt is the source of English late. en.wiktionary.org