1. Of or relating to a particular person; private: "Like their personal lives, women's history is fragmented, interrupted" (Elizabeth Janeway).
2. 1. Done, made, or performed in person: a personal appearance.
   2. Done to or for or directed toward a particular person: a personal favor.
3. Concerning a particular person and his or her private business, interests, or activities; intimate: I have something personal to tell you.
4. 1. Aimed pointedly at the most intimate aspects of a person, especially in a critical or hostile manner: an uncalled-for, highly personal remark.
   2. Tending to make remarks, or be unduly questioning, about another's affairs: As the student debate got heated, it got personal.
5. Of or relating to the body or physical being: personal cleanliness.
6. Relating to or having the nature of a person or self-conscious being: belief in a personal God.
7. Law. Relating to a person's movable property: personal possessions.
8. Grammar. Indicating grammatical person.

1. A personal item or notice in a newspaper.
2. personals A column in a newspaper or magazine featuring personal notices.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.