legally

adverb

le·​gal·​ly ˈlē-gə-lē How to pronounce legally (audio)
1
: in a legal manner : in accordance with the law
a transfer that was not done legally
a drug that can now be legally bought and sold in many countries
2
: from the point of view of law
Legally, she had no claim to the estate.
They were not legally obligated to provide assistance.
a person who is legally blind [=who is blind according to the legal definition of blindness]
legally drunk [=drunk according to the legal definition of drunkenness]

Examples of legally in a Sentence

that's not a move that can be made legally in chess
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.
In other words, in any situation in which military troops are legally allowed to assist domestic police and the possibility exists that lethal force could be used, the defense secretary has to approve the assistance. Joedy McCreary, USA TODAY, 20 Nov. 2024 Haitians under temporary programs are in the US legally., Oct. 3, 2024 PolitiFact, Title 42 expiration: What's next for migrants applying for asylum at US’ southern border?, Oct. 8, 2023 PolitiFact, Donald Trump is wrong. Maria Ramirez Uribe, Austin American-Statesman, 20 Nov. 2024 Though Cher and Bono couldn’t legally wed under California law, due to Cher’s age and a one-year waiting period before Bono could remarry, the couple moved into a one-bedroom house together in Hollywood. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 20 Nov. 2024 Everyone working at the facility in Logansport are legally authorized to do so, the spokesperson said, and most employees are American citizens or permanent residents. Kayla Dwyer, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for legally 

Word History

First Known Use

1581, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legally was in 1581

Dictionary Entries Near legally

Cite this Entry

“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legally. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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