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

• aggregate
• full
• sum
• sum total
• summation
• total
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On those nights, the sun, Earth and moon will align so that the moon passes into the Earth's shadow, causing the lunar surface to appear as a deep shade of rusty-red during the more than hourlong totality. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025

Only those in the path of totality could briefly remove them to see the sun's corona with their naked eyes. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 8 Feb. 2025

Solar eclipse nearly reaches totality in parts of Kentucky Parts of Kentucky saw totality during the April 8 solar eclipse, but even near totality in Louisville sent residents outside to look at the sky. —Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 29 Dec. 2024

Bonus: This video of fans viewing totality at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. —Chris White, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

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