📒 belonging to or for the use of a particular person or group; not for public use
- The sign said, ‘Private property. Keep out.’
- You're trespassing on private land.
- a private jet
📒 intended for or involving a particular person or group of people, not for people in general or for others to know about
- You shouldn't listen to other people's private conversations.
- We agreed to keep our arrangement private.
- They were sharing a private joke.
📒 that you do not want other people to know about
- She was scared of revealing her private thoughts and feelings.
📒 owned or managed by an individual person or an independent company rather than by the state
- a private firm/business/hospital
- The painting is now in a private collection.
- a former soldier working in private security
📒 provided for a fee by an individual person or an independent organization rather than by the state
- She gives private English lessons at weekends.
- (British English) If I can afford it, I think I'll go private (= pay for medical care rather than use the government service).
📒 working or acting for yourself rather than for the state or for a group or company
- a private contractor/investigator
- a private citizen/individual
- We got the money from a private investor.
📒 not connected with your work or official position
- a politician’s private life
- She claimed she was acting in a private capacity.
- He was on a private trip to Japan.
📒 where you are not likely to be interrupted; quiet
- Let's go somewhere a bit more private.
- They found a private corner where they could talk.
📒 not wanting to share thoughts and feelings with other people
- He's a very private person.
📒 that you receive from property or other sources but do not have to earn