totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē 

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

Synonyms

• aggregate
• full
• sum
• sum total
• summation
• total
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

How the moon will appear during totality is not known. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 9 Mar. 2025

The moon takes on a hue of which color during totality, inspiring the eclipse’s name? —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Remember, from the moon, the entire sun is blocked during totality. —Phil Plait, Scientific American, 6 Mar. 2025

The most striking part of the eclipse—or totality, when the moon is completely red—will happen between 2:26 and 3:31 a.m. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

Rhymes for totality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Kids Definition

totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural totalities

1

: a combined amount : sum, whole

2

: the quality or state of being total : entirety

rejected the scheme in its totality