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

Flock Safety has faced strong criticism, with many worried about the public's privacy and security moving forward. —Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2026

He was granted permission to seek rehabilitation abroad after attorneys argued the famous athlete needed privacy in order to focus on his wellness. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2026

The privacy policy mentions overseas data storage Look for where your data is stored and how long it is kept. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026

Critics of the system say its an invasion of privacy that creates a mass surveillance network and tracks innocent people during their daily travels. —Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 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