legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē 

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

Synonyms of legality

• legitimacy

Examples of legality in a Sentence

the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation

Recent Examples on the Web

The legality of the punch is what's in dispute, Crump argues. — Arkansas Online, 13 Aug. 2026

Last month, Maryland’s top election official asked the state prosecutor to open an investigation into the legality of prediction markets. — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026

As for the legality of such a position, that is up for the courts to decide as the Maryland Freedom Caucus presses forward with its lawsuit. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 12 Aug. 2026

However, oftentimes, these situations take time due to various legalities and other logistical concerns. — Liz Crawford, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for legality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• lethality

Kids Definition

legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈgal-ət-ē 

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 

plural legalities

1

: attachment to or observance of law

2

: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness

3

plural : obligations imposed by law