VPN

noun

ˌvē-ˌpē-ˈen How to pronounce VPN (audio)
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.
There are a handful of different techniques, called protocols, that define a VPN’s secure connection. — PCMAG, 14 Mar. 2025 Prosecutors on March 7 submitted an extensive list of documents allegedly showing that Goldstein used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to hide millions in winnings. — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025 Add a layer of security: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection. — Kim Komando, Fox News, 27 Jan. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

VPM
VPN
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“VPN.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/VPN. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

VPN

noun
ˌvē-ˌpē-ˈen
: virtual private network
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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