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

Be at sea level on the eastern side for 4 minutes, 32 seconds of totality. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2025

Duration of totality: longest near/in Luxor, Egypt — the longest total eclipse on land between 2009 and 2114. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025

At the center of the lineup is a high dynamic range (HDR) portrait of totality, consisting of approximately 200 shots with varying exposure times. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025

The moon will turn deep shades of rusty red throughout the more than hourlong totality, thus producing a vibrant visual in the night sky. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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