altitude

noun

al·​ti·​tude ˈal-tə-ˌtüd How to pronounce altitude (audio)
also -ˌtyüd
Synonyms of altitude
1
a
: the vertical elevation of an object above a surface (such as sea level or land) of a planet or natural satellite
b
: the angular elevation of a celestial object above the horizon
c(1)
: a perpendicular line segment from a vertex (see vertex sense 2a) of a geometric figure (such as a triangle or a pyramid) to the opposite side or the opposite side extended or from a side or face to a parallel side or face or the side or face extended
(2)
: the length of an altitude
2
a
: vertical distance or extent
b
: position at a height
The plane lost altitude.
c
: an elevated region : eminence
—usually used in plural
3
: a high level (as of quality or feeling)
the altitudes of his anger
altitudinal
ˌal-tə-ˈtü-də-nəl How to pronounce altitude (audio)
-ˈtyü-
adjective
altitudinous
ˌal-tə-ˈtü-də-nəs How to pronounce altitude (audio)
-ˈtyü-
adjective

Synonyms of altitude

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height, altitude, elevation mean vertical distance either between the top and bottom of something or between a base and something above it.

height refers to something measured vertically whether high or low.

a wall two meters in height

altitude and elevation apply to height as measured by angular measurement or atmospheric pressure; altitude is preferable when referring to vertical distance above the surface of the earth or above sea level; elevation is used especially in reference to vertical height on land.

fly at an altitude of 10,000 meters
Denver is a city with a high elevation

Examples of altitude in a Sentence

the air temperature at different altitudes Some visitors find it difficult to adjust to the city's high altitude. The plane lost altitude rapidly.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Accidents are common on climbing expeditions in northern Pakistan because of avalanches, falling ice and rock, high altitude and rapidly changing weather. — ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026 The trek involves steep, high-altitude terrain, and travelers should prepare for variable weather and physical exertion before setting off. — Ashley Lynch july 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Sakhi is a guide for the company, as well as a geographer and high-altitude photographer, and has climbed some of the world's major peaks, according to Moving Mountains' website. — CBS News, 31 July 2026 Since it was first summited in 1957, the peak has claimed dozens of lives, reflecting the significant risks climbers face from avalanches, extreme weather, and altitude. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for altitude

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "height, angular height of a celestial body above the horizon," borrowed from Latin altitūdin-, altitūdō "height, high position, downward extension, depth," from altus "extending upward, tall, high, extending downward, deep" + -i- -i- + -tūdin-, -tūdō -tude; altus going back to dialectal Indo-European *al-to- (whence also Middle Irish alt, allt "height, cliff," Welsh allt "hill, steep slope, cliff"), of uncertain origin

Note: Traditionally equated with Germanic *alđa- "old," and further to a verbal base *al- "nourish" (< Indo-European *h2el- "nourish, feed;" see old entry 1), on the assumption that the verbal adjective *al-to- "fully grown, nourished" leads to both "old" and "high." However, both the Latin and Celtic etyma refer primarily or exclusively to points situated above the ground, not human or animal growth, so such a connection is questionable.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of altitude was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing altitude

Rhymes for altitude

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Browse Nearby Words

altithermal
altitude
altitude-azimuth
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Altitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/altitude. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

altitude

noun
al·​ti·​tude ˈal-tə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce altitude (audio)
1
a
: the angular height of a celestial object above the horizon
b
: the vertical distance of an object above a given level (as sea level)
c
: a perpendicular line from a vertex of a geometric figure (as a triangle) to the opposite side or from one side or face to a parallel side or face
also : the length of such a line
2
: an elevated region
—usually used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on altitude

Nglish: Translation of altitude for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about altitude

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