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 Wisconsin Department of Health Services did not specify where the death happened or provide any additional details to protect the privacy of the family. — Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2026

His family issued a statement thanking all those who expressed their condolences, while also asking for their privacy to be respected. — ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026

Disclosures and privacy policies should be stated in plain language, not dense legalese. — Ankolika De, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

Dometic The available divider package looks like a great way for parents to get a little privacy from the kids, both at night and during the day, or for two couples to have their own dedicated spaces. — New Atlas, 4 Nov. 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