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

• aloneness
• insulation
• isolation
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness
• solitude

Examples of privacy in a Sentence

She went upstairs for some privacy.

Celebrities have a right to privacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

With a dedicated concierge handling every detail, from five-star accommodations to experiences and custom travel essentials, Flexjet ensures your Mom will enjoy seamless comfort, privacy, and unforgettable adventures. —Martie Bowser, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025

Pick an untouched beach and hide away for an afternoon; while nearby islands are all about seeing and being seen (ahem: St. Barts), vacationers in Antigua usually have a bit more privacy in mind. —Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2025

Fusco says that dating apps are more or less a waste of time, because of the lack of privacy. —Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 3 May 2025

Some travelers use them for privacy and convenience or even as a way to escape the chaos of their smartphones during vacation. —Iona Brannon, AFAR Media, 2 May 2025

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