privacy

noun

pri·​va·​cy ˈprī-və-sē 

especially British ˈpri-

plural privacies

1

a

: the quality or state of being apart from company or observation : seclusion

b

: freedom from unauthorized intrusion

one's right to privacy

2

a

: secrecy

b

: a private matter : secret

3

archaic : a place of seclusion

Synonyms of privacy

• solitude
• isolation

Examples of privacy in a Sentence

She went upstairs for some privacy.

Celebrities have a right to privacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

The changes were designed to win over skeptics of the surveillance program who have demanded greater oversight to protect Americans’ privacy. —ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026

The bedrooms are designed with privacy in mind (each has its own outdoor moment), while the upstairs suite leans farther into the setting with an open-air shower and sun deck that catch both sunrise and sunset. —Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

An 8-foot-tall chain-link fence with privacy slats will be installed around the bus parking area, Patton said. —Marie Wilson, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026

Several tech companies have raised concerns around the technology required to check users’ ages, as well as around preserving the privacy of users. —Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing privacy

• invade someone's privacy
• invasion of (someone's) privacy

Kids Definition

privacy

noun

pri·​va·​cy ˈprī-və-sē 

plural privacies

1

a

: the quality or state of being out of the sight and hearing of other people : seclusion

the privacy of the home

b

: freedom from being intruded upon

one's right to privacy

2

: secrecy sense 2

talk in privacy

Legal Definition

privacy

noun

pri·​va·​cy

: freedom from unauthorized intrusion : state of being let alone and able to keep certain especially personal matters to oneself see also expectation of privacy, invasion of privacy, privacy interest at interest sense 3b, right of privacy, Griswold v. Connecticut and Roe v. Wade