totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
1
: an aggregate amount : sum, whole
the totality of human knowledge
2
a
: the quality or state of being total : wholeness
This … looks at the problem globally, in its totality.Philip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org
b
: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Examples of totality in a Sentence

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.
Western Europe and parts of West Africa will catch totality at moonset. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2025 During totality, the entire moon is inside Earth's umbra, turning a deep red or orange color. William Lambers, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 And unlike the rare total solar eclipse that carved a path of totality across only a portion of states in 2024, this month's lunar eclipse will be viewable in all of the lower 48 states. Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025 Watching the moon slowly swallowed by shadow is pretty amazing, and the reddish cast of totality is astonishing. Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for totality

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of totality was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Totality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totality. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

totality

noun
to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
1
: a combined amount : sum, whole
2
: the quality or state of being total : entirety
rejected the scheme in its totality

More from Merriam-Webster on totality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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