latter

UK: /ˈlætə^r/ US: /ˈlætɚ/ ,(lat′ər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

lat•ter /ˈlætɚ/   adj. 

1. being the second mentioned of two (distinguished from former ):
   Of the two I prefer the latter version.
2. more advanced in time;
   later:
   in these latter days of human progress.
3. near or somewhat near to the end:
   the latter part of the century.

n. [uncountable* the + ~]

4. the second thing mentioned of two:
   Of your two examples, I prefer the latter.

lat•ter•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

lat•ter  (lat′ər), adj. 

1. being the second mentioned of two (distinguished from former):
   I prefer the latter offer to the former one.
2. more advanced in time;
   later:
   in these latter days of human progress.
3. near or comparatively near to the end:
   the latter part of the century.
4. [Obs.] last;
   final.

• Middle English latt(e)re, Old English lætra, comparative of læt late bef. 1000

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

latter / ˈlætə/ adjective (prenominal)

1. denoting the second or second mentioned of two: distinguished from former
2. (as noun; functioning as singular or plural): the latter is not important
3. near or nearer the end: the latter part of a film
4. more advanced in time or sequence; later

USAGE
The latter should only be used to refer to the second of two items: many people choose to go by hovercraft rather than use the ferry, but I prefer the latter. The last of three or more items can be referred to as the last-named