privacy

noun

pri·​va·​cy ˈprī-və-sē How to pronounce privacy (audio)
especially British ˈpri-
plural privacies
Synonyms of privacynext
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.
The two, who are going by their first names to protect their privacy, didn’t even know the opportunity was coming their way. — Zuri Primos july 3, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026 On one hand, the arena offers a level of privacy and security few locations can match. — Bryan West, USA Today, 4 July 2026 Swimply users can use a filter on the platform for more privacy — that can include factors like whether or not the pool is within view of the home or if the owners will be around. — Stephan Bisaha, NPR, 3 July 2026 Kelly said Madison Square Garden made sense as a venue for the privacy and security of guests. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 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 8 Jul. 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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