private meaning and definition

PRIVATE noun

Definition of private (noun)

1. an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the Army or Marines
   • "our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value"
   • synonyms: buck private, common soldier

PRIVATE adjective

Definition of private (adjective)

1. confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
   • "a private place"; "private discussions"; "private lessons"; "a private club"; "a private secretary"; "private property"; "the former President is now a private citizen"; "public figures struggle to maintain a private life"
   • antonym: public
2. concerning things deeply private and personal
   • "private correspondence"; "private family matters"
3. concerning one person exclusively
   • "we all have individual cars"; "each room has a private bath"
   • synonyms: individual
4. not expressed
   • "secret (or private) thoughts"
   • synonyms: secret