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

While some calas are accessible by car, others can only be reached by a short hike—that’s where visitors will find the real magic and privacy. —Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026

The plaintiff seeks damages for privacy invasion, emotional distress, reputational harm and alleged placement on government watch lists. —Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2026

Care models that prioritize dignity, privacy, and long-term stability are designed for precisely these moments. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026

Maya Jama has joined other women in imploring Elon Musk‘s AI platform to respect their privacy after a deepfake nudes scandal has caused outrage. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 8 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