What does "latest" mean?

1. (most recent) the most recent or newest version of something. 2. (the most recent news) the newest information or news about a situation. 3. (at the furthest time) the furthest or last possible time that something can happen.

How do you use "latest"?

Almost always used as 'the latest'. Used in the fixed phrase 'at the latest' following a time or date.

latest

adj. · n. · adv.

US //ˈɫeɪtəst// UK //lˈeɪtəst// lat·est

1 most recent (adj.)
A2 Elementary

the most recent or newest version of something.

denoting the most recent in a series or the newest available version of a product or idea.

Example

Have you seen the latest movie in the series yet?

Example

The latest research suggests that the previous assumptions about the planet's atmosphere were significantly flawed.
- newest
- most recent
- current
- earliest
- oldest
2 the most recent news (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the newest information or news about a situation.

the most recent information, news, or fashion trends; typically used with the definite article.

Example

I just got home—tell me the latest about the wedding plans.

Example

Investors waited anxiously for the latest from the central bank regarding interest rate adjustments.

Usage

Almost always used as 'the latest'.

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3 at the furthest time (adv.)
B1 Intermediate

the furthest or last possible time that something can happen.

the final possible point in time for an event or deadline; almost exclusively used in the phrase 'at the latest'.

Example

Please send me the report by Friday at the latest.

Example

The shipment is expected to arrive on Tuesday afternoon, or Wednesday morning at the latest.

Usage

Used in the fixed phrase 'at the latest' following a time or date.
- no later than
- at the earliest

Origin

From Middle English lateste, from Old English latost, latest, lætest, superlative of læt, whence English late.