The meaning of PRIVATE is intended for or restricted to the use of a particular person, group, or class. How to use private in a sentence.

PRIVATE definition: 1. only for one person or group and not for everyone: 2. Private activities involve personal…. Learn more.

(Government, Politics & Diplomacy) of, relating to, or provided by a private individual or organization, rather than by the state or a public body: the private sector; private housing.

Definition of private adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

of, having, or receiving special hospital facilities, privileges, and services, esp. a room of one's own and liberal visiting hours: a private room; a private patient.

There are 38 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word private, 13 of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 29, 2025 · Relating to an individual or group of individuals outside of their official roles; often, sensitive or personal. quotations This book is her private journal.

Not holding public office or employment; not having a public or official character: as, a private citizen; private life; private schools. Noting a common soldier, or one of the ordinary rank and file.

private meaning, definition, what is private: for use by one person or group, not for ...: Learn more.

PRIVATE meaning: 1 : for the use of a single person or group belonging to one person or group not public; 2 : not relating to a person's official position or job