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

Data from payroll firm ADP showed the private sector added 98,000 jobs last month, which was less than the 120,000 expected.

From Barron's • Jul. 2, 2026

Hiring by private sector employers in June continued to grow slightly below expectations, human-resources company ADP said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 1, 2026

Self-compounding advantages in education and research led to scientific discoveries that ultimately made their way to the private sector — the internet being one notable example — while ensuring a deep pool of top talent.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 28, 2026

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

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