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

• aloneness
• insulation
• isolation
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness
• solitude

Examples of privacy in a Sentence

She went upstairs for some privacy.

Celebrities have a right to privacy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, privacy, data security and intellectual property concerns must be addressed when handling sensitive or unpublished research material. —Beth Worthy, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

The seed phrase, or otherwise called the key phrase, is saved and kept only on your device, thus maintaining security and privacy for its users. —Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 23 June 2025

The jury’s decision comes after the tragic 2023 delivery of their son, Baby Isaiah, and months after the couple filed a lawsuit accusing Gates of invasion of privacy, fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 23 June 2025

The grounds include numerous mature trees and plantings that enhance a feeling of privacy while adding beauty. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025

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