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
Russians can now access these platforms only by using virtual private networks.
—Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024
This Startup Promises Fully Private VPNs In a world where personal data is the new currency, virtual private networks (VPNs) have become essential for protecting privacy.
—Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
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.
—Monica Mercuri, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2024
First, Musk encouraged Brazilians to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to evade the blockage.
—Marietje Schaake, Foreign Affairs, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for virtual private network 
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.
Andrei Kolesnikov, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2024
This Startup Promises Fully Private VPNs In a world where personal data is the new currency, virtual private networks (VPNs) have become essential for protecting privacy.
—Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 28 Oct. 2024
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.
—Monica Mercuri, StyleCaster, 21 Oct. 2024
First, Musk encouraged Brazilians to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to evade the blockage.
—Marietje Schaake, Foreign Affairs, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for virtual private network
Dictionary Entries Near 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 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share