legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
legalities plural : obligations imposed by law

Examples of legality in a Sentence

the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The car was drained according to the draining procedure submitted by the team in their legality document. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025 Register brought concerns over the legality of the agreement, pointing to three leases the city already has on that same land. Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 22 Mar. 2025 Junior enlisted personnel, who make up more than 40% of the military force, are also taught the importance of the legality and constitutionality of orders. Samuel C. Mahaney, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025 Khalil's lawyers have challenged the legality of his March 8 arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Luc Cohen, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legality

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legality was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legality. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈgal-ət-ē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
2
: something that is required by law

Legal Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
plural : obligations imposed by law

More from Merriam-Webster on legality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!