Simple Definition:
Altitude is the height of an object or location above sea level. Sea level is the average level [height] of the surface of the oceans.
For example:
- The altitude of Mount Everest is 8,848 meters above sea level. (Altitude refers to the height of Mount Everest above the average level of the oceans.)
- The altitude of an airplane can vary depending on its flight path. (Altitude refers to the height of the airplane above sea level.)
Very Simple Definition:
Altitude is how high something is above the ground or sea. It tells us how tall something is.
For example:
- The airplane is flying at a high altitude. (The airplane is very high above the ground or sea.)
- A fast change in altitude {how high you are above the ground) can cause your ears to feel funny.