privates

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

What, Henry asks, “have kings, that privates have not too, save ceremony, save general ceremony?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 9, 2026

Zelensky said those Ukrainians released included 82 privates and sergeants and 21 officers from the armed forces, national guard, border guards, and police.

From BBC • Sep. 14, 2024

They’re going to put aspartame in this possibly-causing-cancer category, along with, oh, putting talcum powder on your privates, or working in a dry cleaner.

From Slate • Jun. 29, 2023

For years, the world of privates was dominated by aging crooners, a category known delicately as “nostalgia performers.”

From New York Times • May 30, 2023

We had been privates in the war, infantry scouts.

From "Slaughterhouse-Five" by Kurt Vonnegut