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

Still, the privacy inherent in private credit often leaves an information vacuum that observers fill with worst-case scenarios. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 6 Mar. 2026

Some African governments are rejecting American health funding agreements over data and privacy concerns. —Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 6 Mar. 2026

The Toles family has asked that Andrew’s privacy be respected. —Ed Guzman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Mar. 2026

Complete with a weather-resistant top and four privacy curtains, this sophisticated daybed brings resort-style luxury to your backyard. —Michelle Baricevic, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 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