[more private; most private] 1 : for the use of a single person or group : belonging to one person or group : not public
▪ a private beach/club/property ▪ He returned to the country on his private [=personal] jet. ▪ It was the first time many had seen works from the artist's private collection. ▪ a room with a private bath [=a bathroom that is not shared between several rooms] 2 : not relating to a person's official position or job
▪ At work he was always very serious, but in his private life, he was actually very funny and relaxed. 3 a : not known by the public or by other people : secret
▪ private dealings/meetings ▪ Please keep all my personal information private. ▪ They shared a private joke. [=a joke only understood by the few people who know what it refers to]
b : not telling others about yourself : keeping your personal information secret
▪ He's a very private person. 4 : away from other people : out of the sight and hearing of other people
▪ Let's go somewhere private. ▪ They were sitting in a private corner of the restaurant. 5 always used before a noun : not holding a public or elected office
▪ private individuals ▪ a private citizen 6 a : not paid for or controlled by the government
▪ tax policies to encourage private industry ▪ a private hospital/college ▪ The mayor hired a private contractor rather than using city workers to do the job.
b : not having stocks traded on the open market
▪ a private company 7 : involving or done with a single person rather than a group
▪ She had years of private piano study/lessons. ▪ private students [=students who are given private lessons]