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.
The Sun enters your 12th House, drawing your attention toward rest, reflection, privacy, unfinished matters, and everything easier to hear when the outside world becomes less demanding. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026 Meta has long been criticized for its data privacy practices, and on Wednesday, a New Mexico judge ordered the company to pay $25 billion for violating the state’s consumer protection laws. — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 22 Oct. 2026 But these bots are still a show-me story while concerns mount about online privacy and cybersecurity. — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 22 Oct. 2026 California has long prided itself as a regulatory trailblazer, whether to preserve its coastline, reduce air pollution, protect gig workers, ensure data privacy or battle climate change. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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
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