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

Physicians, strength coaches, nutritional staff, recovery modalities, workload monitoring, and increasingly sophisticated performance systems are used to preserve a player’s availability and longevity as much as possible. — Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

The Ammortal Chamber takes a different approach, stacking several modalities into one session. — Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026

Our research examined how different outreach modalities by Covering Wisconsin — the state’s health insurance navigator program — affected Medicaid renewal and procedural disenrollment. — Rebecca Myerson, STAT, 10 Aug. 2026

The first transatlantic balloon flight was successfully completed, long after the modality’s heyday. — USA Today, 4 Aug. 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