latest

The word “latest” means the most recent news, information, or version of something. In plain terms, the newest or most up-to-date thing or piece of news.

“Latest” is pronounced LAY-tihst (/ˈleɪ.tɪst/ in IPA).

Here is “latest” used in a sentence: “Have you heard the latest on the merger?”

“Latest” is a noun.

The word “latest” comes from Old English. From Old English latost, the superlative of "late". A doublet of "last".

“Latest” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Latest' means most recent — the newest so far, with more still expected. 'Last' means final, with nothing to follow. Her 'latest' novel is her most recent one and implies others may come; her 'last' novel could be the final one she ever writes. The distinction matters.

They overlap heavily and are often interchangeable. 'Latest' emphasises most recent in time or sequence — the newest to appear. 'Newest' emphasises being new or freshly made. A shop's latest arrival is simply the most recent; its newest model stresses that the product itself is brand new.

'Have you heard the latest?' asks for the most recent news. 'This phone runs the latest software' points to the newest version available. Used as a noun with 'the,' it stands for whatever is most current — the freshest news, update, or edition of something.

They're close but not identical. 'The latest' is the most recent version or news itself, while 'up to date' describes something that includes all the latest information. Your app can be up to date because it has the latest update installed — one is the thing, the other a state.