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 of totality

• total
• sum
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those in the right place, daylight will briefly fade, the sun’s corona will appear, and eclipse glasses can come off — but only during totality. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Beyond the Blue Lagoon, one of the best ways to see the solar eclipse is by sea with several cruise lines planning voyages to sail directly into the path of totality. — Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026

The moment of totality is when the moon completely covers the sun. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 18 June 2026

Eclipse chasers will travel to the path in droves, keen to witness a relatively short but ultimately dramatic totality. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 13 June 2026

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