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

Spain and Iceland have not seen totality for generations, and local demand will be intense. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

The maximum duration of totality will be 3 minutes, 44 seconds. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 20 Jan. 2026

During totality, the moon will fully block the sun, revealing stars, planets, and the sun’s corona, but the eclipse must be viewed safely using protective glasses or indirect methods to avoid serious eye injury. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 16 Jan. 2026

Both juries absorbed the totality of the circumstances and reached for a lever of indignation rather than the strict logic of the law. —Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 12 Jan. 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