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

Madrid and Barcelona are both outside the path of totality, so won’t see a total solar eclipse, instead seeing only a 99% partial eclipse. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

During the 2024 eclipse, NASA recruited ham radio operators to collect data about how radio signals behave during totality. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 29 July 2026

Advertisement And many eclipse-chasers will seek to observe the phenomenon beyond the moments of totality. — T. Michelle Murphy, Time, 29 July 2026

When the sun is completely blocked by the moon, it is known as the period of totality. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 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