modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈda-lə-tē 

plural modalities

1

a

: the quality or state of being modal

b

: a modal quality or attribute : form

2

: the classification of logical propositions (see proposition sense 1) according to their asserting or denying the possibility, impossibility, contingency, or necessity of their content

3

: one of the main avenues of sensation (such as vision)

4

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

Examples of modality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First, regulators on both sides of the Atlantic should require modality-specific safety testing before voice features are rolled out to broad populations. —Marc Augustin, STAT, 16 Apr. 2026

Research shows that the trends in utilization of the different radiation modalities for the treatment of men with localized prostate cancer revealed a significant increase in the use of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026

While not affiliated with any specific modality, the sound bath inside the Atwater Village branch of Mattress Central has a cult-like following. —Rebecca Leib, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

So these modalities – molecule, protein, antibody or gene – are very different types of molecules. —Benjamin P. Brown, The Conversation, 7 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for modality

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

Medical Definition

modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈdal-ət-ē 

plural modalities

1

: one of the main avenues of sensation (as vision)

2

a

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

b

: an apparatus for applying a modality