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

• 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

The homes aim to overcome barriers found in traditional shelters by allowing for privacy, property, and pets. —La Risa R. Lynch, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025

But seeing a drone hovering over your private property can raise concerns about privacy and safety. —Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 15 Oct. 2025

Keeping it opt-in will protect people’s privacy preferences. —Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025

The Schlinks requested that their child’s name not be used to protect his privacy. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 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