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

March kicks off with the celestial display as a lunar eclipse is expected to reach totality alongside a full moon overnight Monday, March 2 into Tuesday, March 3. —Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 27 Feb. 2026

Then at totality, watch how the shades of color morph on the lunar surface – from rosy-gray to pink to orange. —Dean Regas, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Feb. 2026

Over the course of its nearly 1 hour of totality, the moon will change to deep shades of rusty red, creating a breathtaking sight in the night sky. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Compared to a total lunar eclipse, partial and penumbral events lack the drama of totality. —Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Feb. 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