modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈda-lə-tē 

plural modalities

1

a

: the quality or state of being modal

b

: a modal quality or attribute : form

2

: the classification of logical propositions (see proposition sense 1) according to their asserting or denying the possibility, impossibility, contingency, or necessity of their content

3

: one of the main avenues of sensation (such as vision)

4

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

Examples of modality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The model uses a three-stream Mixture-of-Transformers architecture to integrate inputs from different modalities. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026

The first is their temporal nature—they are specifically designed for live and unfolding events, and their modality reflects this liveness. —Daniel Jackson, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026

In astrology, the Cardinal modality (and individuals with a lot of Cardinal energy in their chart) initiate, pursue, lead and make things happen. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026

Jaffe works at this intersection through modalities including Reiki, emotional freedom technique tapping and journey work. —Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for modality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Medical Definition

modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈdal-ət-ē 

plural modalities

1

: one of the main avenues of sensation (as vision)

2

a

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

b

: an apparatus for applying a modality