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

By owning the technology, Netflix can utilize first-party viewing history and engagement data to provide privacy-conscious, detailed targeting, such as reaching viewers who consistently enjoy action or sci-fi content, without relying on third-party cookies. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Common Sense Media's Risk Assessment of AI Toys Common Sense Media tested three popular AI toys on the market for technical performance, content safety, developmental appropriateness, privacy practices, and attachment risks. —Sarah Scott, Parents, 22 Jan. 2026

The island fast became a magnet for high-profile guests looking for Caribbean bliss and privacy in equal measure. —Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

This includes obtaining proper permits, passing health inspections and complying with other standards for safety, sanitation and privacy. —Maddy Keyes, The Frontier, 22 Jan. 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