1
: in a legal manner : in accordance with the law
a transfer that was not done legally
a drug that can now be legally bought and sold in many countries
2
: from the point of view of law
Legally, she had no claim to the estate.
They were not legally obligated to provide assistance.
a person who is legally blind [=who is blind according to the legal definition of blindness]
legally drunk [=drunk according to the legal definition of drunkenness]
Examples of legally in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In July 2023 the ATF issued an open letter to FFL and gun shops clarifying how to legally and safely store firearms for individuals.
—
Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2023
Sunak has asked government ministers to legally define the characteristics of the American XL Bully with the assistance of police and canine experts.
—Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Sep. 2023
And, until recently, anyone could legally buy the parts.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
Fueled in part by the false and legally rejected claims that widespread voter fraud marred the 2020 presidential election, GOP voters are particularly concerned about election integrity and the potential for voter fraud.
—Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 15 Sep. 2023
Beyond that, climate disasters halt addiction treatment programs and derail critical medication supply chains—all factors that heighten the risk of overdose, including for people who legally use opioids.
—Popular Science, 14 Sep. 2023
James also pointed out that in states where recreational THC edibles and related products are legally sold, an adult serving of edible cannabis contains 5 milligrams of THC, but the knockoff Cheetos has more than 600 milligrams of THC.
—Sarah Cottrell, Parents, 12 Sep. 2023
Musk Said 19-Year-Old Daughter 'Doesn't Want to Spend Time with Me'
The billionaire has opened up about the rift between him and his 19-year-old daughter, who was granted permission to legally change her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson in 2022.
—David Chiu, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023
The couple legally married in Las Vegas in May 2019, a month before having a full ceremony with friends and family at Chateau de Tourreau in the south of France.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2023
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Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2023
Sunak has asked government ministers to legally define the characteristics of the American XL Bully with the assistance of police and canine experts.
—Pilar Arias, Fox News, 16 Sep. 2023
And, until recently, anyone could legally buy the parts.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 2023
Fueled in part by the false and legally rejected claims that widespread voter fraud marred the 2020 presidential election, GOP voters are particularly concerned about election integrity and the potential for voter fraud.
—Sabrina Eaton, cleveland, 15 Sep. 2023
Beyond that, climate disasters halt addiction treatment programs and derail critical medication supply chains—all factors that heighten the risk of overdose, including for people who legally use opioids.
—Popular Science, 14 Sep. 2023
James also pointed out that in states where recreational THC edibles and related products are legally sold, an adult serving of edible cannabis contains 5 milligrams of THC, but the knockoff Cheetos has more than 600 milligrams of THC.
—Sarah Cottrell, Parents, 12 Sep. 2023
Musk Said 19-Year-Old Daughter 'Doesn't Want to Spend Time with Me'
The billionaire has opened up about the rift between him and his 19-year-old daughter, who was granted permission to legally change her name to Vivian Jenna Wilson in 2022.
—David Chiu, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023
The couple legally married in Las Vegas in May 2019, a month before having a full ceremony with friends and family at Chateau de Tourreau in the south of France.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 5 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'legally.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near legally
Cite this Entry
“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legally. Accessed 21 Sep. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on legally
Nglish: Translation of legally for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of legally for Arabic Speakers
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