legally

adverb

le·​gal·​ly ˈlē-gə-lē How to pronounce legally (audio)
Synonyms of legallynext
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.
Fireworks are only legally allowed in Florida three days out of the year, including July 4 — those in counties under burn bans still won't be able to set off fireworks, however. Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 4 July 2026 In order to have legally operated the drone, Alvarez must have obtained an airman’s certificate and a waiver, among other requirements, according to the statement. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 July 2026 American Mission’s ads are independent expenditures, so the political committee cannot legally coordinate with the campaign or get Donalds’ approval. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 Infrastructure failures that result in pollution must trigger legally enforceable penalties such as fines. Serge Dedina, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Legally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legally. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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