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 of privacy

• 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 experience appeals to travelers who want luxury and privacy while still enjoying big-ship entertainment and amenities. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2026

At least Molina read these lines in the privacy of a recording studio rather than on the set of this stinker. —Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 30 May 2026

But balancing that with protecting privacy is still important. —Anat Lior, Fortune, 30 May 2026

For Swift and Kelce—and, honestly, for plenty of non-billionaire couples too—the hard conversations about property, taxes, privacy, and support are often easier before the wedding than after everything has changed. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026

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