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.
Khalil’s immigration proceedings are separate from the federal case challenging the legality of his detention. Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 Critics have described many of the orders as an abuse of power, sparking lawsuits that questioned their legality. Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 Those efforts wreaked havoc on federal workers and prompted a litany of lawsuits seeking to rein in Musk’s chainsaw, many of them questioning the legality of DOGE's sweeping access to confidential data and the dismantling of agencies. Nik Popli, Time, 29 May 2025 The 2018 farm bill legalized hemp and paved the way for the legality of THC drinks. Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 27 May 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 10 Jun. 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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