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.
Shapiro has refused to release additional details about the deaths, citing patient privacy, which has further fueled Kennedy's claims that they were not directly caused by the contagious virus. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 The various configurations allow the property to accommodate a range of needs, budgets, and even levels of privacy, making the experience that much more customizable. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026 But collecting identifying data poses significant privacy risks, said David Greene, legal counsel at digital privacy firm Electronic Frontier Foundation. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 28 Aug. 2026 In a loss, Meta could also be required to improve its public awareness campaigns and fully explain the privacy risks of its smart glasses. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 28 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 1 Sep. 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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