privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged ˈpriv-lijd 

ˈpri-və-

1

: having or enjoying one or more privileges

privileged classes

2

: not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance

especially : not subject to disclosure in a court of law

a privileged communication

Examples of privileged in a Sentence

He comes from a very privileged background.

The town attracts people who are wealthy and privileged.

The President's adviser has a privileged position of trust.

She had privileged access to the files.

Only the privileged few can become members of the club.

Recent Examples on the Web

The boys had a privileged childhood. —Steve Belanger, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025

In the 1981 case, prosecutors were disqualified for reviewing privileged defense materials, violating due process. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Oct. 2025

Therefore, there is no privileged point of view or privileged perspective in the novel. —Karl Ove Knausgaard, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2025

Before litigating any issue of conflict or disqualification, the parties should have access to all relevant and non-privileged information. —Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing privileged

• be privileged

Rhymes for privileged

• underprivileged
• unprivileged

Kids Definition

privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged

ˈpriv(-ə)-lijd

: having more things and a better chance in life than most people

privileged classes of society

Legal Definition

privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged

: not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance

especially : not subject to disclosure especially in an adjudicative proceeding