privacy

noun

pri·​va·​cy ˈprī-və-sē How to pronounce privacy (audio)
especially British ˈpri-
plural privacies
Synonyms of privacy
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

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Examples of privacy in a Sentence

She went upstairs for some privacy. Celebrities have a right to privacy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Karen and Kurt Solomon shared a home and had been married, court records indicated, but authorities declined to discuss their current relationship, citing domestic violence privacy rules, according to The Associated Press. — Elise Hammond, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026 His name has not been released, citing crime victims’ privacy rights under California law. — Bob Rodriguez, Sacbee.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Their multimillion-dollar media deals with Netflix and Spotify have dried up and Harry is potentially facing millions of dollars in legal fees after losing his privacy case against the Daily Mail. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026 The family asked for privacy and said further details on plans to honor the actor would be shared in the coming days. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for privacy

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of privacy was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing privacy

Browse Nearby Words

priv
privacy
privado
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Cite this Entry

“Privacy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/privacy. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

privacy

noun
pri·​va·​cy ˈprī-və-sē How to pronounce privacy (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on privacy

Nglish: Translation of privacy for Spanish Speakers

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