regality

American  

[ri-gal-i-tee] / rɪˈgæl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

regalities

1. royalty, sovereignty, or kingship.

2. a right or privilege pertaining to a sovereign.

3. a kingdom.

4. (in Scotland)

   1. territorial jurisdiction of a royal nature formerly conferred by the sovereign.

   2. a territory subject to such jurisdiction.

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regality British  

/ riːˈɡælɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or condition of being royal; kingship or queenship; royalty

2. the rights or privileges of royalty

3. history

   1. jurisdiction conferred by the sovereign on a powerful subject

   2. a territory under such jurisdiction

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Etymology

Origin of regality

1375–1425; late Middle English regalite < Middle French < Medieval Latin rēgālitās. See regal ¹, -ity

Explanation

The word regality is used for the state of being a monarch — or resembling one. The regality of your queenly cat, calmly looking down on the chaos of your new puppy, is indisputable. Long ago, it was common to use the word regality to describe the position of being a queen or king: "Elizabeth II entered the regality in 1952." These days, it's more commonly used in a figurative way, for things or people that resemble royalty. If you're staying at a magnificent castle for the weekend, you might walk in and observe, "Wow, this place is full of regality!"

Example Sentences

Her regality is on display in “Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style,” the largest-ever exhibition of clothing worn by the monarch, who died at age 96 in September 2022.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Among the standout pieces was a thick, charcoal pleated coat that offered a nod to traditional Asian dress, its regality underscored by its robust structure and generous drape.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2023

Presciently, Frances came to be known as “Princess Fannie,” for her regality and charm.

From Washington Post • Apr. 24, 2023

So coming from there and now being able to create and adorn this idea of pride and power, regality and femininity — amazing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2023

There was the love I had for the mute regality of tall, moss-clad oaks.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright