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

On Earth, those in the path of totality will see the moon passing completely into Earth’s shadow, causing the moon to take on a reddish hue. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN, 1 Feb. 2025

Here are the local times for totality in some key locations on the night side of Earth during the eclipse: Bangkok: 12:30 to 1:52 a.m. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 24 Jan. 2025

North America will enjoy the best views of this eerie phenomenon, with totality lasting 65 minutes in the middle of the night. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Northern New Hampshire was one of the regions in the solar eclipse's path of totality in the U.S. this past April — and accordingly, tourists flocked there. —Natalie Escobar, NPR, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

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