noun

longitude

LAHN-ji-tood/ˈlɑːndʒɪtuːd/

Angular distance east or west of the prime meridian.

The chart marks longitude thirty degrees east of the prime meridian.

A physical regional geographic chart shows longitude as a measured eastward interval from the prime meridian to the 30°E meridian.

Etymology

The pieces form a word meaning “length.” Geographic longitude measures the east–west dimension, paired with latitude as the “breadth” of a map of the known world.

In context

ClickView1:57

Lines of longitude show how far places sit east or west of the prime meridian, so we write an E

Longitude and Latitude Explained: Map Skills | Geography | ClickView

More examples

We use latitude and longitude to locate the campsite.
The map shows lines of longitude running from pole to pole.
These cities lie at different longitudes but share the same latitude.

Forms

longitude · longitudes

longitudinal adjective — Relating to measurements or lines of longitude.