plural VPNs
: a private computer network that functions over a public network : virtual private network
As more employees connect to their office networks from home, they expose the company to attack. A VPN lets companies use the Internet as a secure pathway into their existing network.Michael Bertin
VPNs help cloak your browsing information from your internet provider. When you use VPN software, your device connects to a VPN provider's servers. That way, all your web traffic passes through the VPN provider's internet connection.Brian X. Chen

Examples of VPN in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Matt Kamen How to Get Around the US TikTok Ban TikTok is now unavailable in the United States—and getting around the ban isn’t as simple as using a VPN. Chris Haslam, WIRED, 6 Feb. 2025 However, Android users must manually remove the VPN profile by going to Settings > VPN. Jibin Joseph, PCMAG, 3 Feb. 2025 Use Secure Connections Avoid using public Wi-Fi unless paired with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to add an extra security layer. Alex Vakulov, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit focused on digital rights, told CBS MoneyWatch that U.S. TikTok users would likely be able to circumvent the ban via VPN, though that approach does carry risks. Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for VPN 

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of VPN was in 1984

Dictionary Entries Near VPN

Cite this Entry

“VPN.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/VPN. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

VPN

noun
ˌvē-ˌpē-ˈen
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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