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

Mercury in your 4th House squares Mars in your sign, making family conversations, privacy, or household matters more likely to test your patience. — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Oct. 2026

But taxpayer and privacy advocates say the data could be used to help find and deport those people. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Spacious lagoon villas offer a choice of garden privacy, a private gate to the beach, or hop-in access to the meandering lagoon pool. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Oct. 2026

The administration says the question would prevent ineligible immigrants from claiming refundable tax credits; privacy advocates warn the data could aid immigration enforcement. — Ken Sweet, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 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