latest

Latest is an English adjective and adverb used to describe the most recent item in a sequence or the most recent time. It is the superlative form of late, formed by adding the suffix -est to late. The word conveys recency rather than mere tardiness; for example, the latest findings refer to the newest results, not just something that arrived late.

In use, latest appears in many contexts. In journalism and media, it labels current events or updates: the latest developments in the case or the latest headlines. In everyday speech and writing, it describes the current version or model: the latest iPhone or the latest software update. In information systems and web design, latest is often used as a label or filter to collect the most recent items, such as latest posts or latest releases.

Grammatical notes: latest can function as a determiner before a noun, as in the latest model, and it can also be used as a noun phrase meaning the most recent item or set of items. It is commonly paired with a date, time, or version for clarity. Related terms include newest (synonym) and earliest or oldest (antonyms). While often interchangeable with newest in everyday usage, latest can carry a stronger emphasis on current relevance or timeliness in reporting and updates.