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.
The legality of the unconventional deal is still being worked out at the White House, CNBC reported, but it’s being warily eyed around the world. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Trump’s comments on Monday coincided with the start of a three-day trial that comes after the state of California challenged the legality of the National Guard’s deployment in June to Los Angeles during protests of ICE raids. Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2025 But the move has caused Niger, the country in West Africa where the space rock was initially found, to question the legality of its export. Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2025 In Monday's supplemental letter, rather than the potential legality of the CIT's ruling and the invocation of the IEEPA, the DOJ argued that overturning tariffs would jeopardize these deals and investments. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Aug. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Legality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legality. Accessed 21 Aug. 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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