personal

[ pur-suh-nl ]
/ ˈpɜr sə nl /

adjective

noun

  1. a short news paragraph in a newspaper concerning a particular person, as one who is socially prominent, or a group of particular persons who are socially prominent.
  2. a brief, private notice in a newspaper or magazine, often addressed to a particular person, and typically bearing an abbreviated salutation and signature to preserve its confidentiality, usually printed in a special part of the classified advertising section.
  3. Also called personal ad. a similar notice, as in a newspaper or on a website, placed by a person seeking companionship, a spouse, etc.
  4. Usually personals. a column, page, or section, as of a newspaper, magazine, or website, featuring such notices or items.

Origin of personal

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Late Latin word persōnālis. See person, -al1

OTHER WORDS FROM personal

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH personal

personal personnel (see usage note at personnel)

Words nearby personal

persona grata, persona non grata, personable, personae, personage, personal, personal care, personal column, personal computer, personal day, personal digital assistant

British Dictionary definitions for multi-personal

personal
/ (ˈpɜːsənəl) /

adjective

noun

law an item of movable property