illegitimacy

noun

il·​le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy ˌi-li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce illegitimacy (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being illegitimate
2

Examples of illegitimacy in a Sentence

she had learned of her illegitimacy while rummaging through old family records in the attic
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.
But those in power refuted these links and instead emphasized the disloyalty and illegitimacy of disobeying the will of the majority. Time, 2 July 2025 Nan’s illegitimacy became a big subject of conversation last season when the news leaked out ahead of her engagement to Theo. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 18 June 2025 The power of the Grand Secretariat and the illegitimacy of dissent were hallmarks of imperial rule. Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025 From this perspective, the familiar elements of the Nativity—the stable, the shepherds, the Magi—were not meant to paper over the embarrassment at Jesus’ illegitimacy. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for illegitimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of illegitimacy was in 1680

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Illegitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illegitimacy. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

illegitimacy

noun
il·​le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy ˌil-i-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce illegitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being illegitimate

Legal Definition

illegitimacy

noun
il·​le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy ˌi-li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce illegitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being illegitimate

More from Merriam-Webster on illegitimacy

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