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

Forcing them to relieve themselves without privacy is one more indignity. —Michael Perkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2026

For even more privacy, book a stand-alone cottage. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026

Yard designed for privacy Backing up to a greenbelt, the backyard is designed to feel private — less like a subdivision and more personal retreat. —David Caraccio may 9, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026

The second data privacy incident in New York City’s public schools, referenced in the chancellor’s Friday statement, did not involve Canvas. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 8 May 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