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

The result of non-privileged information? —Alex Sherman,contessa Brewer, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026

Knock Wood was born during the Great Depression but lived a relatively privileged life, according to longtime friend Mary Lou Wehrli. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026

The Premier League was unusually privileged to welcome, within the space of a year, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026

Returning triumphant, The Pitt confronts a problem reserved for a privileged few. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Jan. 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