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

That's shifting the organizational structure, giving many security chiefs a direct line to the CEO instead of the chief information officer, said Meredith Griffanti, global head of cybersecurity and data privacy communications at FTI Consulting. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Namibia cited privacy, sovereignty and legal concerns for its decision. — ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026

Fraser’s experience encapsulates what digital-privacy experts have been warning about. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2026

The bathrooms are equally royal, complete with Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries, a soaking tub with a window out to the guest room (and shutters to close for privacy), and dual marble vanities. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Sep. 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