private

adjective

• 1belonging to or for the use of one particular person or group of people only:all bedrooms have private facilities his private plane
• (of a conversation, activity, or gathering) involving only a particular person or group, and often dealing with matters that are not to be disclosed to others:this is a private conversation a small private service in the chapel
• (of thoughts and feelings) not to be revealed to others:she felt awkward at intruding on private grief
• (of a person) choosing not to reveal their thoughts and feelings to others:he was a very private man
• (of a place) quiet and free from people who may interrupt:can we go somewhere a little more private?
• [predic.] (especially of two people) alone and undisturbed by others:we can phone from the library—we’ll be private in there

• 2(of a person) having no official or public role or position:the paintings were sold to a private collector
• not connected with one’s work or official position:the ambassador visited the school in a private capacity

• 3(of a service or industry) provided or owned by an individual or an independent, commercial company rather than the state: this research was carried out by private industry
• (of education or medical treatment) conducted outside the state system and charging fees to those who make use of it:private education if I could afford it I’d go private
• relating to or denoting a transaction between individuals and not involving commercial organizations:it was a private sale—no estate agent’s commission

noun

• 1the lowest rank in the army, below lance corporal or private first class.

• 2 (privates) informalshort for private parts.