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.
The settlement agreement indicates the woman who accused Lewis of rape reached out to the private law firm hired by the university to review the Moore situation and the broader culture of the athletic department. — Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Lujan now works in private law practice and occasionally goes up against his former employer in court. — Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 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 Madigan also was convicted on six out of seven counts — including wire fraud and Travel Act violations — regarding a plan to get Solis, who testified at length in the trial, appointed to a state board in exchange for Solis bringing Madigan business for his private law firm. — Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 27 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 1 Sep. 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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