private law

noun

: a branch of law concerned with private persons, property, and relationships compare public law

Examples of private law in a Sentence

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.
After several years in private law practice, Mueller was asked by Deputy Atty. — Eric Tucker, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2026 Instead, the department retained a private law firm, Wilson Elser, to represent Pearson and Maddrey. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 2026 Between graduating from law school in 1977 and running for his first office, Cornyn served at a private law practice defending doctors in malpractice suits. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026 Fairfax ran for governor in 2021, finishing a distant fourth in the Democratic primary, and then returned to private law practice. — Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for private law

Word History

First Known Use

1773, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of private law was in 1773

Rhymes for private law

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Browse Nearby Words

private label
private law
privately
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Cite this Entry

“Private law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20law. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

private law

noun
: a branch of law concerned with private persons, property, and relationships compare public law

More from Merriam-Webster on private law

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about private law

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