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 move follows an inspector general audit urging a pause on new deployments and contracts until enforceable privacy, security and oversight rules are in place. — Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

The Idaho Statesman’s top stories for Thursday and Friday spanned criminal defense, patient privacy, development and executions. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 11 July 2026

Their rehearsal dinner, which seemingly occurred the night prior, saw a similar law enforcement presence as well road blocks, meant to protect the privacy of Swift, Kelce and their approximately 1,000 guests. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 11 July 2026

The emotional Moon conjoins driven Mars in your 8th House of Intimacy and Shared Resources, bringing momentum to matters involving money, privacy, trust, or joint responsibilities. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 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