privet

American  

[priv-it] / ˈprɪv ɪt /

noun

1. any of various deciduous or evergreen shrubs of the genus Ligustrum, especially L. vulgare, having clusters of small white flowers and commonly grown as a hedge.

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privet British  

/ ˈprɪvɪt /

noun

1. 1. any oleaceous shrub of the genus Ligustrum, esp L. vulgare or L. ovalifolium , having oval dark green leaves, white flowers, and purplish-black berries

   2. ( as modifier )

      a privet hedge

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Etymology

Origin of privet

First recorded in 1535–45; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Within two days Privet Bot had another job for Earl, and his men for hire.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025

Create a photo opportunity inside Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs at 4 Privet Drive and understand the art of making potions on the re-created sets of “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts.”

From Seattle Times • Jul. 10, 2021

But some adopted children under less happy circumstances, like Harry Potter with his hateful relatives at 4 Privet Drive, struggle with abandonment issues and other psychological hurdles.

From Time • Nov. 4, 2011

Outside the cavernous warehouse will be a reconstruction of 4 Privet Drive where Harry grew up and of the bridge at Hogwarts.

From Reuters • Oct. 2, 2011

Yet life at Privet Drive had reached an all-time low.

From "Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets" by J. K. Rowling