totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural totalities

1

: an aggregate amount : sum, whole

the totality of human knowledge

2

a

: the quality or state of being total : wholeness

This … looks at the problem globally, in its totality

—Philip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org

b

: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Synonyms of totality

• total
• sum
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The totality of Clark’s effort made White react more like a fan than a coach. — James Boyd, New York Times, 18 July 2026

In Galicia, Spain’s northwesternmost region, where totality will first reach the country, the rocky outcropping of Cape Ortegal offers what’s expected to be one of the longest windows of totality. — Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 July 2026

Part of an eclipse’s emotional impact is how fleeting that moment of totality is; this August’s will max out at just more than two minutes. — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 17 July 2026

Only a small part of the Earth, called the path of totality, will get to experience a total solar eclipse. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

Rhymes for totality

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

Kids Definition

totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural totalities

1

: a combined amount : sum, whole

2

: the quality or state of being total : entirety

rejected the scheme in its totality