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

In any case, these sorts of internal disputes among an extremely privileged group of people are not how those in charge of British tennis want the sport in the UK to be viewed. —Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 15 June 2025

Over 200 years later, restorative lakeside living is still the number-one pull for ultra-wealthy individuals visiting Switzerland and for those looking to set up home in this privileged, wellness-centric place. —Lysanne Currie, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

Hiccup comes from a privileged background, and Astrid does not. —Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 12 June 2025

For decades, the privileged anchors and reporters narrating and gatekeeping our society have been radicals adopting a journalist’s pose. —Jack Dunn, Variety, 8 June 2025

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