First Known Use: 1538
Dictionary
1illegal
adjective il·le·gal \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈlē-gəl\
: not allowed by the law : not legal
: not allowed by the rules in a game
Full Definition of ILLEGAL
: not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit; also : not sanctioned by official rules (as of a game)
— il·le·gal·i·ty \ˌi-li-ˈga-lə-tē\ noun
— il·le·gal·ly \(ˌ)i(l)-ˈlē-gə-lē\ adverb
See illegal defined for English-language learners
See illegal defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ILLEGAL
Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French illegal, from Medieval Latin illegalis, from Latin in- + legalis legal
Related to ILLEGAL
- Antonyms
- lawful, legal, legitimate
Other Legal Terms
Rhymes with ILLEGAL
2illegal
noun, sometimes disparaging + offensive
Definition of ILLEGAL
: a person who enters or lives in a country without the documentation required for legal entry or residence
First Known Use of ILLEGAL
1939
ILLEGAL Defined for Kids
illegal
adjective il·le·gal \i-ˈlē-gəl\
Definition of ILLEGAL for Kids
: not allowed by the laws or rules <He was arrested for illegal activities.> <The team made an illegal play.>
— il·le·gal·ly \i-ˈlē-gə-lē\ adverb
Learn More About ILLEGAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: illegalizePrevious Word in the Dictionary: IllecebraceaeAll Words Near: illegal
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up illegal? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).