legitimacy

noun

le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈji-tə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Examples of legitimacy in a Sentence

the legitimacy of the military dictatorship was not recognized by most other nations
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.
All of this came after both Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew were photographed with other members of the royal family at the funeral of the Duchess of Kent at Westminster Cathedral, which seemed to grant legitimacy to the former couple and raised eyebrows considering Andrew’s numerous scandals. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 6 Nov. 2025 The cast largely helps to keep things grounded, rebutting the histrionics by treating each claim with legitimacy or reciting each gauche line with apt conviction. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025 His legitimacy, lineage, gender and Protestant religion gave him the edge over his rivals, even if there were still doubts over the legality of his claim. Literary Hub, 4 Nov. 2025 Ty Gee concluded his message by acknowledging the doctors in Las Vegas who worked tirelessly to save his father and by confirming the legitimacy of the family’s GoFundMe page, which will now help with burial expenses. Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legitimacy

Word History

First Known Use

1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of legitimacy was in 1625

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legitimacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legitimacy. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

legitimacy

noun
le·​git·​i·​ma·​cy li-ˈjit-ə-mə-sē How to pronounce legitimacy (audio)
: the quality or state of being legitimate

Legal Definition

legitimacy

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

More from Merriam-Webster on legitimacy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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