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

Called Flagship Suites, the new product will feature upgrades like privacy doors, wireless charging, Bluetooth capability, multiple storage areas, and a seat with a chaise lounge mode (as well as a standard lie-flat bed option, too). —Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Nov. 2024

Issues like mass surveillance can arise, where governments or corporations might infringe on individual privacy rights. —Ed Gaudet, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Escaping the rain, guests made their way down the red lacquered staircase and into the privacy of the Gaux Gaux room, settling into the maximalist animal print and velvet haven and enjoying the endless plates of fries floating past. —Vogue, 22 Nov. 2024

Graham Kates Graham Kates is an investigative reporter covering criminal justice, privacy issues and information security for CBS News Digital. —Graham Kates, CBS News, 22 Nov. 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