legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
Synonyms of legalitynext
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.
And of course, small businesses were the ones to first bring a case against the administration questioning the legality of its tariff regime last year. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 20 Feb. 2026 The School Board did that voluntarily in 2023 when the legality of several meetings was challenged. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026 Along with the legality of the tariffs, the high court had been expected to decide the thorny question of how to potentially refund the nearly $300 billion collected so far, which the plaintiffs demanded. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2026 The president, who was especially fiery at times during his public remarks, also railed against the Supreme Court, which is weighing the legality of his novel use of an emergency powers law to impose worldwide tariffs. Jeff Amy, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026 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 1 Mar. 2026.

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

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