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 Rainforest Junior Suites come with separate living rooms, while villas—from rainforest to beachfront—amp up the privacy. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Oct. 2026 The country estate sits on a 40-acre lot in the alpine village of Tolochenaz, near Lausanne, guaranteeing privacy—and plenty of space to host garden parties or pick cherries from the orchard, as Audrey did decades ago. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 29 Oct. 2026 Disability information also raises additional privacy concerns because those details are particularly personal. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Oct. 2026 Honoring their friendship and her privacy, as well as his own, Rodriguez does not speak about her in a personal way publicly. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 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 1 Nov. 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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