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

View Comments When asked if users agree for OpenAI to record or keep their voice by using the feature, the company directed CNN to its privacy policy and Terms of Use. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024

However, the legislation, aimed at empowering local law enforcement to track and potentially neutralize unidentified drones, was opposed by Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, citing concerns over privacy. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Situated behind gates with plenty of mature trees in the yard for the utmost privacy, the Hamptons-style dwelling is a veritable retreat. —Joyce Chen, Architectural Digest, 19 Dec. 2024

Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. —Kim Komando, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024

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