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

Some sort of protective legislation is similarly necessary regarding the boundaries of a human-AI relationship, your privacy rights when an AI companion lives in your home and whether there is a protection against erasure. —Lori Andrews, Mercury News, 29 Jan. 2026

As in previous cases — including the visa revocation of another council member in November — the State Department did not identify the individuals involved, citing privacy concerns. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2026

The darkly comedic drama confronts reality, privacy, and the delusions fueling our ever-changing world. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2026

On the latest Sporticast episode, hosts Scott Soshnick and Eben Novy-Williams discuss some of the biggest sports business stories of the week, including a debate at the Australian Open over athlete privacy. —Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 29 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