# altitude

/ˈæɫtəˌtud/ (US) · /ˈæltɪtjˌuːd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/altitude
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. height above sea level

noun · CEFR B2

the height of an object or place above the level of the sea.

For teachers: the vertical elevation of an object or location above a given datum, typically mean sea level.

- The plane flew at an altitude of 30,000 feet to avoid the storm.
- At high altitudes, the air becomes significantly thinner, which can lead to hypoxia if climbers do not acclimatise properly before reaching the summit.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'at'.

### 2. geometry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the height of a shape, like a triangle, measured from the bottom to the top point.

For teachers: the perpendicular distance from the vertex of a geometric figure to the opposite side or the plane containing the base.

- To find the area of the triangle, you must first measure its altitude.
- The student calculated the area of the scalene triangle by identifying the altitude from the highest vertex to the extended base line.

### 3. astronomy

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the angle of a star or planet above the horizon.

For teachers: the angular distance of a celestial object above the observer's horizon, measured in degrees.

- The navigator measured the altitude of the North Star to find their position.
- By determining the altitude and azimuth of the celestial body, the researchers were able to pinpoint its exact coordinates in the night sky.

### 4. high rank or status

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

a very high level of quality, rank, or importance.

For teachers: a figurative height of excellence, rank, or superiority.

- The poet reached a new altitude of fame after her latest book.
- Few statesmen have ever achieved such an altitude of moral authority within the international community during their own lifetimes.

## Examples

- The plane flies at a high altitude.
- As the hikers reached a higher altitude, they noticed the air became thinner and much colder.
- Commercial aircraft typically cruise at an altitude of thirty thousand feet to maximize fuel efficiency and avoid the turbulent weather patterns found in the lower atmosphere.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.