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 Moon in your conversation zone is arguing with overbearing Jupiter in your privacy quadrant, so chatter and quiet needs may collide. —Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026

These landlocked properties offer a kind of privacy not afforded cheek-by-jowl homes along the beach as well as gorgeous views that can take in the mountains and the ocean. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2026

The restroom includes a privacy stall and an ergonomic toilet seat. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2026

The messages surfaced at London’s High Court during the closing stages of the royal's privacy case against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 2 Apr. 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