privileged

adjective priv·i·leged \ ˈpriv-lijd , ˈpri-və- \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Examples: privileged in a Sentence

Definition of privileged

1 : having or enjoying one or more privileges

privileged classes

2 : not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance; especially : not subject to disclosure in a court of law

a privileged communication

See privileged defined for English-language learners

See privileged defined for kids

Examples of privileged in a Sentence

He comes from a very privileged background.
The town attracts people who are wealthy and privileged.
The President's adviser has a privileged position of trust.
She had privileged access to the files.
Only the privileged few can become members of the club.

Recent Examples of privileged from the Web

Instead of trying to fit into a heteronormative, white-privileged space, there’s an opportunity to create new definitions of Asian-American masculinity, femininity, and everything in between.

— sable yong, Allure, "Banana Magazine Is Exploring Asian-American Gender Identity in a Completely New Way," 25 May 2018
Unfortunately, like many a house on the proverbial hill, the movie industry prioritizes the privileged, and the journey towards inclusion involves taming more than one beast at a time.

— refinery29.com, "This New Study Proves That Hollywood Does Not Get Intersectionality," 23 May 2018
The psychologist had testified that Couch, who was 16 at the time of the crash, had a privileged, wealthy upbringing that affected his ability to know right from wrong, CNN said.

— crystal hill, star-telegram, "‘Affluenza effect’ explains decision to reduce murder suspect’s bail, Texas lawyer says | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 11 May 2018
Those who reach Miami are a small and privileged part of a much bigger refugee crisis.

— Washington Post, "As Trump tightens asylum rules, thousands of Venezuelans find a warm welcome in Miami," 18 May 2018
At a time when Britain’s social contract has been shaken by Brexit, and scandals like the Grenfell tower fire, there is enormous— value in having a member of the royal family who is not white, nor especially privileged.

— daisy goodwin, Time, "How Meghan Markle Is Giving the Royal Family the Shake-Up It Needs," 17 May 2018
As a minister’s son, Oleg is obviously privileged and nurtured, but the beard growth symbolizes him breaking away from his family’s expectations and going from мальчик (boy) to папа (daddy).

— The Cut, "Oleg From The Americans Is … Totally Kind of Hot?," 16 May 2018
The Metropolitan Opera said, through a spokesman, that all of its conversations with Proskauer were private and privileged.

— NBC News, "Proskauer, law firm known for handling high-profile sex harassment cases, is accused itself," 15 May 2018
Most people who grow up privileged in this town become a very specific type of person.

— diablo cody, Vogue, "Help! I'm Raising California Babies! Tully's Diablo Cody Opens Up on Modern Mothering," 2 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'privileged.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of privileged

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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PRIVILEGED Defined for English Language Learners

privileged

adjective

Definition of privileged for English Language Learners

: having special rights or advantages that most people do not have
law : known only by the people who need to know

PRIVILEGED Defined for Kids

privileged

adjective priv·i·leged \ ˈpri-və-lijd \

Definition of privileged for Students

: having more things and a better chance in life than most people

He comes from a privileged family.

Law Dictionary

privileged

adjective priv·i·leged

legal Definition of privileged

: not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance; especially : not subject to disclosure especially in an adjudicative proceeding