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

These apps often share data with data brokers and ad networks overseas, where privacy laws are weaker and accountability is nearly impossible. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025

Meanwhile, 40% cite privacy and security as the main barriers to broader adoption. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2025

That privacy update followed in the footsteps of a 2019 move to remove birth names from an individual’s page after outcry from the transgender community. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2025

Private porches offer privacy despite ground-level access. —Aaron Randolph, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

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