private sector

American  

noun

1. the area of the nation's economy under private rather than governmental control.

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private sector British  

noun

1. the part of a country's economy that consists of privately owned enterprises Compare public sector

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private sector Cultural  

1. That part of an economy in which goods and services are produced by individuals and companies as opposed to the government, which controls the public sector.

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Etymology

Origin of private sector

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

U.S. business activity in the private sector continued to expand in June as brighter news out of the Middle East helped restore some confidence among U.S. businesses.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

However, McKeown said regular wage growth in the private sector was rising at its lowest rate in five and a half years.

From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026

Diaz-Canel was speaking at a meeting called to fast-track reforms aimed at boosting the private sector and attracting more capital from millions of Cubans who have fled the crisis abroad.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

“Thousands of people are plaintiffs in this action, which names 18 public and private sector defendants. The City Attorney’s Office is responsible for defending the City and DWP in this lawsuit.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

He’d carried the load admirably, inspiring people like Barack and Valerie to move out of the private sector and into community work and public service.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama