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

• total
• sum
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For observers who can see the eclipse, totality — when the lunar surface turns completely red — will last 82 minutes. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

That resolution stated the totality of benefits from the new development, including employee salaries, was sufficient to grant the 10-year abatement. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025

General tourist itineraries in this region focus on staying in Luxor and Aswan, the latter of which is just south of the path of totality. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Yes, the Knicks finished the regular season with a top-five offense in totality, but the group was middle of the pack in the second half of the season and often looked bogged down against the better defenses in the playoffs. —James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025

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