totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē How to pronounce totality (audio)
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 totalityPhilip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org
b
: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Examples of totality in a Sentence

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.
Furthermore, the CoI concluded that genocidal intent is the only reasonable inference from the totality of the evidence, and having considered the pattern of conduct. Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025 These are the times for totality only. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2025 And that's really all that matters at the end of the day – the totality of AI demand. Zev Fima, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, North America will miss live views of the eclipse due to not being in the path of totality. Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa will be in the path of totality. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for totality

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of totality was in 1598

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Cite this Entry

“Totality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/totality. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

totality

noun
to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē How to pronounce totality (audio)
plural totalities
1
: a combined amount : sum, whole
2
: the quality or state of being total : entirety
rejected the scheme in its totality

More from Merriam-Webster on totality

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