privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged ˈpriv-lijd 

ˈpri-və-

1

: having or enjoying one or more privileges

privileged classes

2

: not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance

especially : not subject to disclosure in a court of law

a privileged communication

Examples of privileged in a Sentence

He comes from a very privileged background.

The town attracts people who are wealthy and privileged.

The President's adviser has a privileged position of trust.

She had privileged access to the files.

Only the privileged few can become members of the club.

Recent Examples on the Web

Awards shows aren’t just about privileged celebrities, but also about the thousands of everyday people who make their livings in support roles — caterers, bartenders, limo drivers, hairstylists, make-up artists and many more. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 12 Jan. 2025

This suggests that more students, particularly those from privileged backgrounds, are leaning back into testing as a way to distinguish themselves. —Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

This also goes back to why people perceive you as privileged. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 8 Jan. 2025

So the implication here is that Yool still excelled academically in a neighborhood full of high-performing (and privileged) students. —Regina Kim, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing privileged

• be privileged

Kids Definition

privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged

ˈpriv(-ə)-lijd

: having more things and a better chance in life than most people

privileged classes of society

Legal Definition

privileged

adjective

priv·​i·​leged

: not subject to the usual rules or penalties because of some special circumstance

especially : not subject to disclosure especially in an adjudicative proceeding