ˌɪndɪˈvɪd͡ʒu.əl ˌɪndɪˈvɪd͡ʒʊəl ˌɘndɘˈvɘd͡ʒʉ.ɘl ˈɪn.tɪ.mət ˈpɹaɪvɪt ˈpɹaɪvɪt ˈsiːkɹɪt not expressed secret (or private) thoughts concerning one person exclusively we all have individual cars each room has a private bath concerning things deeply private and personal intimate correspondence private family matters 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 an enlisted man of the lowest rank in the Army or Marines our prisoner was just a private and knew nothing of value