The meaning of PRIVILEGE is a right, exemption, or immunity granted as a particular benefit, advantage, or favor : prerogative; especially : one attached specifically to a position or an office.

PRIVILEGE definition: 1. an advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or…. Learn more.

Definition of privilege noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [countable] a special right or advantage that a particular person or group of people has. Education should be a universal right and …

A privilege is a special advantage not enjoyed by everyone. If you're very snooty, you probably don't allow just anyone the privilege of being your friend.

syn: privilege, prerogative refer to a special advantage or right possessed by an individual or group. A privilege is a right or advantage gained by birth, social position, effort, or concession.

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun privilege, six of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

A privilege is a right or advantage gained by birth, social position, effort, or concession. It can have either legal or personal sanction: the privilege of paying half fare; the privilege of calling whenever …

Feb 12, 2026 · privilege (countable and uncountable, plural privileges) All first-year professors here must teach four courses a term, yet you're only teaching one! What entitled you to such a privilege?

A right, advantage, favor, or immunity specially granted to one; esp., a right held by a certain individual, group, or class, and withheld from certain others or all others. A basic civil right, guaranteed by a …

Privilege comes from Latin privilegium, meaning a law for just one person, and means a benefit enjoyed by an individual or group beyond what's available to others.