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.
Both guns the suspect used in the shooting were acquired legally in San Antonio in 2017, Davis said. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Mar. 2026 Asylum seekers with pending applications are in the country legally, but under federal law, failing to appear for a hearing can result in a deportation order. Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026 Classified employees — or non-teaching staff who support school operations such instructional aids, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers and bus drivers — will not hold a collective sympathy strike, although individual members are legally allowed to do so. Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026 Following Odom's recovery, Kardashian filed for divorce and the two were declared legally single in December 2016. Kathleen Perricone, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026.

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