privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged ˈpriv-lijd 

ˈpri-və-

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

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 on the Web

Iannuzzi noted that the synergy between these elements puts ACBC in a privileged position, with a comprehensive view on the industry, from product material innovation and product end-of-life, passing through expertise in navigating the regulatory landscape. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 May 2026

Vadim begins by recounting his youth as the privileged son of a Soviet-era official who was cast aside under the liberalizing Gorbachev regime; the reversal of fortune roused the young Vadim to make the most of his life. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 13 May 2026

History, and especially current events, has shown us that exploitation by the rich, powerful, and privileged is everywhere. —Gabrielle Glancy, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2026

Mark Ferrandino, the head of the governor’s budget office, told the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday that the governor’s office, by practice, does not release privileged legal memos. —Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 4 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing privileged

• be privileged

Rhymes for privileged

• underprivileged
• unprivileged

Kids Definition

privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged

ˈpriv(-ə)-lijd

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

privileged classes of society

Legal Definition

privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged

: not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance

especially : not subject to disclosure especially in an adjudicative proceeding