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

Solar eclipse watchers have for centuries vividly described an eerie phenomenon known as shadow bands that appears just before and after totality — the period when the moon completely blocks the sun’s light and the sky goes dark. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026

This marks mainland Europe's first total eclipse since 1999, with the path of totality sweeping from Russia, across the Arctic, Greenland, and Iceland, before culminating in Spain, a prime viewing destination. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

The path of totality is the area of Earth that will see the entirety of the sun blocked out by the moon—read our guide to know where exactly the path of totality is for this eclipse, and where to expect a partial eclipse. — Lucie McCormick, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026

From inside the narrow path of totality, the sun will be completely covered for up to 2 minutes 18 seconds. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 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