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.
Legal experts question the legality of the mass layoffs, which workers criticize as poorly handled and potentially damaging to critical federal government operations, Axios' Emily Peck writes. Lauren Floyd, Axios, 15 Feb. 2025 But much remains unclear about the legality and reach of President Trump’s new orders. Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2025 The activities by Musk's team have sparked a growing number of legal challenges, many of them questioning the legality of DOGE's sweeping access to confidential data and the dismantling of agencies. Nik Popli, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025 The resignation plan will be on pause until a court hearing Monday, February 10, when the judge will consider arguments by employee unions challenging the legality of the buyout, and by a lawyer for the Trump administration defending the plan. Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 10 Feb. 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 Mar. 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
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