legality

noun

le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
legalities plural : obligations imposed by law

Examples of legality in a Sentence

the senator questioned the legality of the proposed surveillance operation
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The legality of the ballot initiatives is being questioned regarding discrepancy over fraudulent signatures and fraudulent notarizations. Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024 In 2020, voters approved marijuana legalization, but the legality of the measure was challenged by the head of the state’s highway patrol, Nexstar’s KELO previously reported. Addy Bink, The Hill, 6 Nov. 2024 The legality of the rule was debated on Oct. 1 during back-to-back bench trials for two lawsuits. Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2024 The legality of home brewing and the flourishing craft beer industry is in large part a testament to Carter, who famously eschewed most alcohol because of his Southern Baptist beliefs. Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 1 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legality 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legality was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near legality

Cite this Entry

“Legality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legality. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈgal-ət-ē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
2
: something that is required by law

Legal Definition

legality

noun
le·​gal·​i·​ty li-ˈga-lə-tē How to pronounce legality (audio)
plural legalities
1
: attachment to or observance of law
2
: the quality or state of being legal : lawfulness
3
plural : obligations imposed by law

More from Merriam-Webster on legality

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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