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
Tony, 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

called also VPN

Examples of virtual private network 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.
For instance, a virtual private network (VPN) can effectively encrypt data transmitted between the team and enterprise servers. Allbusiness, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Over the past year, teenagers have produced video tutorials showing how to side-load a virtual private network (VPN) onto Meta’s virtual reality headsets and use the location-changing technology to get ahead in the game. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024 Various strategies for staying on TikTok are available to tech-savvy users, including using a VPN (virtual private network) or changing the phone location to fool the app stores. Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Dec. 2024 As for the Pixel Tablet, which rumors suggest may not see a successor, owners can now take advantage of Google's homebrewed virtual private network (VPN)—the very same baked into its Pixel phones designed to encrypt your internet data over public Wi-Fi networks. Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for virtual private network 

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of virtual private network was in 1983

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 18 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

virtual private network

noun
: a private computer network that functions over a public network (as the Internet) and usually uses data encryption to provide secure access to something (as an internal business server)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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