legally

adverb

le·​gal·​ly ˈlē-gə-lē How to pronounce legally (audio)
Synonyms of legallynext
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

that's not a move that can be made legally in chess
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.
Nobody wants their event associated with — or possibly legally liable for — severe injury or death in the case of lightning hitting a fan or anyone working the event. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 2 May 2026 In fact, since 1994, background checks have blocked more than 5 million gun sales to people who could not legally own guns, according to Everytown for Gun Safety. Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026 Horse race wagering in Kentucky is legally required to be pari-mutuel, a requirement that creates an entirely different experience than anything FanDuel, DraftKings, or BetMGM offers on the Super Bowl. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 May 2026 Authorities could repeatedly and consistently carry out audits of I-9 forms, which companies are supposed to fill out and submit to the federal government showing that new hires are legally able to work. Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for legally

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legally was in 1581

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Cite this Entry

“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legally. Accessed 5 May. 2026.

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