in private

phrase

: not openly or in public

Examples of in private in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The work has been in private hands for 14 years and will be exhibited in Chelsea at 534 West 22nd Street, which has been designed to resemble a Japanese temple, from November 6–19. — Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 4 Nov. 2026

Groups gather in private rooms lined with flashing lights and TV monitors, pick up the microphone and sing with abandon into the early morning hours. — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026

While the world is privy to the lore of the Lucky Bag, there’s another superstition Woods followed during last year’s playoff season, this one taking place in private. — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 2026

This is a Cassius Clay who lived in the spotlight and a man who existed in private as well. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in private

• semiprivate