noun privacy; retirement.
2. private ·noun the private parts; the genitals.
3. private ·noun one not invested with a public office.
4. private ·noun personal interest; particular business.
5. private ·adj having secret or private knowledge; privy.
6. private ·noun a secret message; a personal unofficial communication.
7. private ·noun a common soldier; a soldier below the grade of a noncommissioned officer.
8. private ·adj not publicly known; not open; secret; as, a private negotiation; a private understanding.
9. private ·adj not invested with, or engaged in, public office or employment; as, a private citizen; private life.
10. private ·adj sequestered from company or observation; appropriated to an individual; secret; secluded; lonely; solitary; as, a private room or apartment; private prayer.
11. private ·adj belonging to, or concerning, an individual person, company, or interest; peculiar to one's self; unconnected with others; personal; one's own; not public; not general; separate; as, a man's private opinion; private property; a private purse; private expenses or interests; a private secretary.