latest
LAY-tihst
Latest (noun) means the most recent news, information, or version of something. Example: “Check the app for the latest on train delays this morning.”
noun
1
The most recent news, information, or version of something.
"Have you heard the latest?"
"Check the app for the latest on train delays this morning."
"Have you met Jane's latest? I hear he's a hunk."
"Have you heard the latest on the merger?"
"This is the latest in a long line of superhero films."
"What's the latest on the demonstrations in New York?"
How to use latest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe newest or most up-to-date thing or piece of news.
Common pairings
the latest news
the latest fashion
hear the latest
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Word forms
- Plural
- latests
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Check the app for the _____ on train delays this morning.
Etymology
From Old English latost, the superlative of "late". A doublet of "last".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “latest” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “latest”?
“Latest” is pronounced LAY-tihst (/ˈleɪ.tɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “latest” in a sentence?
Here is “latest” used in a sentence: “Have you heard the latest on the merger?”
What part of speech is “latest”?
“Latest” is a noun.
Where does the word “latest” come from?
The word “latest” comes from Old English. From Old English latost, the superlative of "late". A doublet of "last".
Is “latest” a common word?
“Latest” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between latest and last?
'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.
What is the difference between latest and newest?
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.
What is an example of 'the latest' in a sentence?
'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.
Does 'latest' mean the same as 'up to date'?
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.
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