1
: in a legal manner : in accordance with the law
a transfer that was not done legally
a drug that can now be legally bought and sold in many countries
2
: from the point of view of law
Legally, she had no claim to the estate.
They were not legally obligated to provide assistance.
a person who is legally blind [=who is blind according to the legal definition of blindness]
legally drunk [=drunk according to the legal definition of drunkenness]
Examples of legally in a Sentence
that's not a move that can be made legally in chess
Recent Examples on the Web
Meanwhile, Iran—while a signatory to the NPT—is persistently scrutinised for enrichment activities still legally permitted under international law, while Israel’s nuclear opacity enjoys the full protection of its American ally.
—
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Space, legally Outer space – including the moon – from a legal perspective, is a unique domain without direct terrestrial equivalent.
—Michelle L.d. Hanlon, Space.com, 20 June 2025
The artist, obviously, is brilliant, but an enormous shoutout to the genius who managed to secure a permit in order to erect the statue legally.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
The authority of immigration agents to provide security or conduct civil law enforcement activities is legally uncertain.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for legally
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.
Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
Space, legally Outer space – including the moon – from a legal perspective, is a unique domain without direct terrestrial equivalent.
—Michelle L.d. Hanlon, Space.com, 20 June 2025
The artist, obviously, is brilliant, but an enormous shoutout to the genius who managed to secure a permit in order to erect the statue legally.
—James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
The authority of immigration agents to provide security or conduct civil law enforcement activities is legally uncertain.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for legally
Cite this Entry
“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legally. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share