virtual private network
noun
plural virtual private networks
: a private computer network that functions over a public network (such as the Internet) and usually utilizes data encryption to provide secure access to something (such as an internal business server or private network)
He persuaded its users to communicate through a virtual private network, or VPN, a secure channel that sends encrypted messages between computers …—
James Verini
James VeriniTony, like all savvy Internet thieves, uses a virtual private network that masks his computer's true Internet Protocol address every time he logs on.—Joe Light
Joe Lightcalled also VPN
Examples of virtual private network in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Require two-factor authentication for all services where possible, but in particular for webmail such as Gmail, Outlook and others, along with virtual private networks and any accounts that can access critical systems.
—Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
To watch the show in the US, however, Americans will need a VPN (virtual private network), a service that allows users to set their computer’s location to another country and access websites that would otherwise be restricted by location.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 Apr. 2025
That’s where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
TikTok can still potentially be accessed on internet browsers by way of VPNs, virtual private networks that hide users’ locations.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virtual private network
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Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
To watch the show in the US, however, Americans will need a VPN (virtual private network), a service that allows users to set their computer’s location to another country and access websites that would otherwise be restricted by location.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 14 Apr. 2025
That’s where a VPN (virtual private network) comes in.
—Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, FOXNews.com, 13 Apr. 2025
TikTok can still potentially be accessed on internet browsers by way of VPNs, virtual private networks that hide users’ locations.
—Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for virtual private network
Cite this Entry
“Virtual private network.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/virtual%20private%20network. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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